Be Prepared: Before, During, and After the Hurricane

Before the Hurricane

Prepare your family

• Sign up for emergency alerts with CodeRed.
• Visit Floridadisaster.org to help you make a disaster plan and build a disaster kit.
• Residents who have no alternative means of shelter and suffer from a medical condition requiring special medical attention should register with the Orange County Special Needs Registry to receive assistance during a disaster. This registry provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies.

Prepare your home

• Fill up household containers with clean water instead of buying bottled water.
• Plastic sheeting is more effective than sandbags to keep water out of the home because most water intrusion is caused by wind-driven rain, not rising water. Place plastic sheets (4-6 mil) over windows and doors and secure with duct tape. Leave extra room at the bottom and secure with something heavy such as cinder blocks, bags of mulch, or potting soil.
• Install permanent storm shutters or 5/8" marine plywood that is cut to fit over your windows. Tape does NOT prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure to reduce roof damage.
• Trim trees and shrubs around your home.
• Bag loose leaves and twigs and bundle large sticks and branches.
• Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Visit the FEMA Flood Map to see if you live in a floodplain.

 Prepare your neighborhood

• Limit water usage during and immediately after the storm to help reduce flow into the city's sanitary system.
• If you're able, offer to help a neighbor that may not be able to prepare their home for a storm.

During the Hurricane

• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep the doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone unless it is a serious emergency.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• Continue to limit water usage during and immediately after the storm to help reduce flow into the city's sanitary system.
  • Avoid using washing machines and dishwashers
  • Take quick showers instead of baths
  • Flush toilets sparingly
• You should evacuate under the following conditions:
  • If you are directed by local authorities to do so, be sure to follow their instructions.
  • If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure - such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
  • If you live in a high-rise building - hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
  • If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
  • If you feel you are in danger.
  • If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
    • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
    • Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull, it could be the eye of the storm and winds could pick up again.
    • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
    • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

After the Hurricane

Water Purification

• Residents under a boil water notice should bring water to a rolling boil for one minute.
• If available, drink bottled water.
• If you cannot boil water, add six drops of unscented household bleach per one gallon of water and let stand for thirty minutes prior to use. Water purification tablets are also available at most pharmacies and sporting goods stores.

Water Usage

• Continue to limit water usage during and immediately after the storm to help reduce flow into the city's sanitary system.

Food Safety

• In the event of a power outage, the following should be discarded:
  • Perishable foods including meats, dairy products, and eggs that have not been refrigerated for more than two hours.
  • Foods contaminated by flood waters.

Flood Safety

• Avoid walking, swimming, or driving through floodwater as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris, sewage, and bacteria.
• If you are driving and come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way.
• If you see a stopped sewer, contact the Orange County Water Reclamation Division immediately at 407-254-9680.

Generator Safety

• Portable generators can be hazardous if used improperly. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion in internal-combustion engines. Carbon Monoxide poses a serious health risk due to its ability to displace Oxygen.
• To avoid CO poisoning:
  • Only operate generators outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home.
  • Never use generators indoors or in attached garages. Keep generators outdoors and chained to a tree.
  • Use a carbon monoxide detector to monitor CO levels.
• To avoid electrocution:
  • Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy duty, outdoor rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
  • Observe the generator manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
  • Do not plug the generator into a wall outlet.
  • If you must connect the generator into the house wiring, have a qualified electrician hook up the standby electrical system.

Chainsaw Safety

• Wear protective clothing, including grip gloves, a hard hat, safety goggles, hearing protection, non-slip steel-toe shoes and trim-fitted clothing that won't get caught in the chain.
• Follow instructions in the owner's manual for starting and operating the saw.
• Stand to the side of the saw so you don't follow the cut through into your leg.
• Hold the saw parallel to the ground, holding your left arm straight for better control and to reduce the chance of a kickback.
• Keep both hands on the saw while it running.
• Avoid cutting above mid-chest height.
• Never try to cut a tree with a diameter greater than the length of the chainsaw blade.
• Be extremely careful when cutting limbs or stems of trees that are bent or under tension; the branch can spring back into the operator.
• Carry the saw below the waist with the engine off and bar pointed to the rear.
• Do not work alone. Have a companion nearby and keep bystanders and helpers at a safe distance.

Communication & Recovery

• Follow the Orange County Sheriff's Office on Twitter @OrangeCoSheriff and Facebook for immediate updates and resources.
• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing and insurance claim.
• DO what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as your insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.