Please utilize links below for current and past executive orders.
- State of Florida Executive Order Number 23-175, August 29, 2023
- Seminole County Local State of Emergency
- State of Florida Executive Order Number 23-172, August 28, 2023
Last Updated: August 29, 2023 4:58pm
GENERATOR SAFETY
Generators produce carbon monoxide when used indoors or in poorly ventilated areas because they burn fuel without enough fresh air. Seminole County reminds residents that carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is highly poisonous. The Florida Department of Health recommends the following precautions:
- Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent, or fireplace.
- NEVER use a generator indoors, including homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even those with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home.
- ALWAYS locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to flow indoors. Follow the generator instructions.
- REMEMBER that you cannot see or smell CO. Portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly.
- If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.
- If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.
RESOURCES
Video: Generator Safety (English)
Video: Seguridad con el uso de Generadores (Español)
Last Updated: August 25, 2023 3:09pm
Residents are encouraged to prepare for storms and severe weather events by doing the following:
MAKE A PLAN
Think about your family’s needs in the event of a disaster and make a plan before disaster strikes to make responding to an emergency faster and safer.
- AT HOME: Identify the safest area of your home in the event of severe weather; a lower-level space with no windows is preferred. Know how, when and where to shut off water, gas and electric at the main sources to your home. Check your insurance coverage – flood damage, for example, is not covered by homeowner's insurance.
- EVACUATION/SHELTERS: If your home is unsafe during a tropical storm or hurricane, consider staying with a friend or family member. Or, plan an evacuation route. Emergency shelters should be considered a last resort.
- CHILDREN: Contact your child's school or daycare to determine the facility's emergency notification and evacuation plans. Ask what type of authorization is required to release a child to someone else if you are not available to pick them up. Include your children in the planning process and discuss any fears they may have.
- ANIMALS: Make arrangements for pets or livestock in advance. Make sure your pet has a license tag and a collar, and use a break away collar for cats.
- COMMUNICATIONS: Consider purchasing a weather radio to alert you of severe weather conditions.
GET A KIT
Prepare a disaster kit that contains all of the necessary supplies for several days or longer.
- WATER: Have one gallon of water per person/pet per day on hand for drinking, food preparation, and sanitation.
- FOOD: Plan for a five-day supply of non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration and need minimal preparation and water.
- FIRST AID & MEDICATION: Have plenty of first aid supplies, non-prescription drugs, prescriptions, and other important health supplies like contact lenses or baby items on hand.
- IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: Keep records, like insurance policies and passports, in watertight plastic containers if possible.
- CONTAINER/STORAGE: Store your emergency kit in a watertight container to prevent damage.
Get a complete disaster kit and first aid kit list at PrepareSeminole.org.
Last Updated: August 28, 2023 11:10pm
SANDBAG LOCATIONS
Sandbag locations are currently closed.
SANDBAG DISPOSAL: Do not put filled sandbags on the curbside. They will not be picked up. If dry, consider keeping them through the end of Hurricane Season (November 30). Otherwise, empty the sand or dirt and dispose of bags in normal trash. They may also be brought to the Landfill.
MORE INFORMATION:
VIDEO: Proper Sandbag Use
Last Updated: August 31, 2023 9:06am
SOLID WASTE
CURBSIDE COLLECTION
- Normal curbside collection for unincorporated Seminole County customers resumes Thursday, August 31.
- The next yard waste collection will take place on Wednesday, September 6.
- There will not be a storm-specific debris collection. Any yard waste or debris generated by the storm should be placed with normal yard waste collection.
- As a reminder, yard waste should be in a trash can or bag, or tied in a bundle. Paper bags are preferred over plastic bags. Cans, bags, or bundles must not exceed 50 gallons in size or 50 pounds in weight.
CENTRAL TRANSFER STATION & LANDFILL
- The Central Transfer Station and Landfill are now open.
Last Updated: August 31, 2023 9:08am
- The Seminole County Special Needs Program is a voluntary program for residents, allowing Emergency Management to identify vulnerable individuals requiring extra assistance. Residents with special medical needs such as electricity to operate a medical device, refrigeration needs for medications, an enhanced level of wound care, or other eligible criteria should register at Seminole County Special Needs. A caregiver may also register on behalf of the resident.
- Emergency Management recommends using this program only as a "last resort" and individuals with special needs should consider sheltering with relatives or friends prior to the use of a shelter.
Last Updated: August 29, 2023 9:29am
STAY INFORMED
- Stay informed about this storm by signing up for text alerts. Text "Storm2023" to 888-777. Information on sandbag operations, closures and other storm preparations will be sent via text.
- Residents are also encouraged to register for emergency alerts through AlertSeminole, Seminole County’s emergency notification and warning system.
- Those who register will receive emergency alerts via text, email, or voice call about a variety of potential public safety and environmental hazards, including weather events, evacuations, shelter-in-place orders, disruptive road closures, boil water notices, and other safety concerns.
- Participating residents will receive time-sensitive messages specific to their specified home or business location within Seminole County. Residents can unsubscribe to alerts at any time through their account. Visit AlertSeminole.org to register.
- Follow Seminole County on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and Nextdoor for the latest updates.
- Watch Seminole Government Television (SGTV) at seminolecountyfl.gov/SGTV, on Spectrum Cable Channel 498, or on YouTube.
Last Updated: August 29, 2023 9:28am
POWER OUTAGES
Power outages should be directly reported to your power provider.
- DUKE ENERGY
- View current outages
- Report an outage
- Online
- Over the phone, 800-228-8485
- By text, send OUT to 57801
- FPL
- View current outages
- Report an outage
- Online
- Over the phone, 800-4-OUTAGE (800-468-8243)
Last Updated: August 30, 2023 8:39am