An Executive Order has been signed declaring a State of Emergency for certain counties in the State of Florida, including Seminole County.
Last Updated: October 6, 2024 12:15pm
CLOSURES
Seminole County Government
- Government Offices - Closing at Noon on Tuesday, October 8; Closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. This includes all Parks, Libraries, UF/IFAS Extension Services, Trails, Boat Ramps, Museum.
Cities
- City of Longwood - Closed Wednesday, October 9 through Thursday, October 10
- City of Oviedo City Offices, Parks, and Facilities - Closed Wednesday, October 9 through Thursday, October 10
- City of Sanford City Hall and Public Safety Complex - Closing at Noon on Tuesday, October 8
- City of Winter Springs City Hall, Offices, and Facilities - Closing at Noon on Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10
- City of Winter Springs Parks, Senior Center, and Therapy Pool - Closed Monday, October 7 through Friday, October 11
- City of Casselberry - City Hall, All City Facilities, Parks and Trails will be closed Wednesday, October 9 through Friday, October 11.
Schools
- Seminole County Public Schools - Closed Wednesday, October 9, through Monday, October 14.
- University of Central Florida - Closing Tuesday, October 8, through Friday, October 11.
Other
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) - Closed Wednesday, October 9, at 8:00 a.m.
Last Updated: October 8, 2024 4:16pm
Residents are encouraged to report property damage that occurs during hurricanes.
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Report damage using Damage Assessment Form
Damage assessment forms are critical for FEMA purposes. They help officials understand the severity and magnitude of damage to property, get assistance, and direct building inspectors to the appropriate areas.
Last Updated: September 26, 2024 3:25pm
FLOODING SAFETY
- Turn Around, Don't Drown: Do not drive or walk through flood water. Vehicles will not protect you. They can be swept away or may stall.
- Keep Out of Flood Water: It can be contaminated with waste or chemicals that can cause health hazards. Dangerous objects and debris or animals (rodents, snakes) could also be hidden in the water. Do not play or float in flood water. Plus, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet.
- Prevent Electrical Hazards: Turn off electrical power, gas, and propane. NEVER touch a fallen power line. If you believe someone has been electrocuted, call 911.
RESOURCES
- Little Wekiva River near Altamonte Springs
- St. Johns River at Lake Monroe (Sanford)
- Little Econ River near Oviedo
- Residents can visit msc.fema.gov to find out if their home is in a flood zone.
HOW TO READ HYDROGRAPHS
Hydrographs show how the river levels have changed over time at a specific location. Check the time along the bottom to see the current river level and predicted levels.
LEVELS:
- Action Stage: Time to prepare
- Minor Flooding: Minimal property damage
- Moderate Flooding: Some property damage and evacuations
- Major Flooding: Damage to structures and roads, significant evacuations
- Record Flooding: The highest level on record
Last Updated: September 26, 2024 12:41pm
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 at least 20 feet from your residence 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.
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Have enough fuel on hand and ensure the stored fuel is not too old or degraded.
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Test your generator for an extended period of time to make sure it works or have a professional inspect it.
RESOURCES
Video: Generator Safety (English)
Video: Seguridad con el uso de Generadores (Español)
Last Updated: September 25, 2024 10:55am
Mosquito populations can multiply in standing waters from flooding. For information on where aerial spraying will occur, please visit: www.seminolecountyfl.gov/ruralspray
For a mosquito spray request, please visit: www.seminolecountyfl.gov/mosquito
Last Updated: September 26, 2024 3:24pm
DURING AND AFTER THE STORM
- If you anticipate an extended outage, consider moving yourself and your family – especially those with special needs – to an alternative location. Consider checking on others who may benefit from your assistance.
- Consider all downed power lines and anything touching them energized and DANGEROUS! Do not get near them and report the problem to your electric utility. Do not touch anything that is on or near a power line (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders). Keep children and pets away from areas where lines may have fallen.
- Don't open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary. Opening these appliances will allow food to thaw more quickly.
- During severe weather or power outages, turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. After the power is restored, to help avoid damage, wait five to 10 minutes before turning them back on.
- If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
FOOD SAFETY AFTER A POWER OUTAGE
When a storm causes a power outage, make sure your food is still safe to eat.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- After 4 hours without power, throw out refrigerated meat, dairy, and leftovers. Hard cheeses, uncut fruits & veggies, and non-creamy sauces like ketchup are OK to keep, but when in doubt, throw it out!
- A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full). Refreeze or cook frozen food only if it still has ice crystals on it or remains at 40°F or below.
- Throw out anything with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Never taste food to determine if it is safe to eat.
MEDICATION/INSULIN SAFETY
- Keep insulin as cool as possible, but DO NOT FREEZE it. Keep out of direct heat & sunlight. Insulin in opened or unopened vials that have been stored at room temperature (59° F-86° F) can be used for up to 4 weeks.
- If insulin that has been stored above 86° F has to be used, monitor your blood sugar regularly.
- Replace all refrigerated drugs as soon as possible.
- Consult your pharmacist or doctor with questions about medication storage and maintaining a supply during a prolonged outage.
Find updated hurricane info at PrepareSeminole.org.
ASL/Deaf: - Reporting Power Outages Video
Last Updated: October 8, 2024 3:47pm
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: September 25, 2024 10:55am
With Seminole County included in Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ State of Emergency ahead of the storm, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills, including for medical grade oxygen.
Florida Statute 252.358 waives time restrictions on early refills during a state of emergency, to allow for citizens to prepare ahead of a storm. Authorized refills must be remaining on the prescription.
Last Updated: October 8, 2024 1:44pm
SANDBAG LOCATIONS
All Seminole County and City sandbag operations are now 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: October 8, 2024 6:07pm
SHELTER OPENINGS
The following Seminole County shelters open Wednesday, October 9, at 8:00 a.m.
Pet friendly shelters are noted below. Not all shelters accept animals. Please ensure the shelter you use is Pet Friendly before bringing along animals. All animals need to be in carriers and we ask that you please provide your own crate/carrier.
- GENERAL POPULATION:
o Lyman High School - 865 S Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood *Pet-Friendly*
o Crystal Lake Elementary School - 231 Rinehart Rd, Lake Mary,
o Lawton Chiles Middle School - 1240 Sanctuary Dr, Oviedo
o Midway Elementary School - 2368 Brisson Ave, Sanford
o Winter Springs High School - 130 Tuskawilla Rd, Winter Springs
- SPECIAL NEEDS
o Bentley Elementary School - 2190 S Oregon Ave, Sanford *Pet-Friendly*
o Highlands Elementary School - 1600 Shepard Rd, Winter Springs
o Layer Elementary School - 4201 FL-419, Winter Springs
Emergency shelters should be used as a last resort; if possible, evacuees should stay with family or friends. Shelter clients will be assigned a space of 3’ x 7’; belongings should fit in this space if staying at a shelter. Cots are not provided at General Population Shelters.
MORE INFORMATION
Last Updated: October 8, 2024 1:58pm
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.
Special Needs Shelters are last resort locations; residents should consider sheltering with friends and family
Last Updated: October 8, 2024 1:49pm
STAY INFORMED
- Stay informed about this storm by signing up for text alerts. Text "Storm2024" to 888-777. Information on sandbag operations, closures and other storm preparations will be sent via text.
- Call the Seminole County Citizen Information Line at (407) 665-0000 with storm-related questions. The Citizens Information line is available Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Closed on weekends.
- Spanish speaking operators are available.
- 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: October 8, 2024 2:14pm
COLLECTION UPDATES:
- Haulers are making scheduled garbage collections on Tuesday. There will be NO collection on Wednesday, October 9 or Thursday, October 10. Friday collection TBD.
- If you have garbage, recycling, or yard waste that was not collected, please secure it or bring it directly to the Landfill or Central Transfer Station before the storm. Yard waste and debris tipping fees will be waived at the Landfill.
- The Landfill and Central Transfer Station are open Tuesday, October 8 til 5:30 p.m. They are closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday hours TBD.
- There is no need to call Customer Service to report missed collection.
Get information about regular Solid Waste services, including trash/recycling collection and yard waste.
Last Updated: October 8, 2024 1:41pm
GasBuddy.com offers a free tool for residents to find out if local gas stations have gas. Residents can also update the status of their local gas stations on the site. This tool can be found at http://bit.ly/2zGludr.
Note: The crowd-sourced nature of this site may affect the accuracy of information.
Last Updated: October 8, 2024 12:52pm
SEMINOLE COUNTY UTILITIES
- With significant rainfall predicted across Seminole County in the coming days, Seminole County Utilites Operations is asking residents to minimize water use once the storm passes to help ease pressure on the system.
- During widespread power outages, conserving water after the storm passes helps prevent sewer backups. During this time, water should be used for essential functions. Limit the use of washing machines and dishwashers, and limit time in the shower. Flush toilets "when necessary."
Last Updated: October 8, 2024 3:51pm