DOCUMENTS
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 18, 2024 3:09pm
CLOSURES
Seminole County Government
- Parks, Trails, and Recreation:
- Trails: All trails and trailheads are open except the St. Johns Trailhead of the Flagler Trail.
- Boat Ramps: ALL County boat ramps remain closed.
- Wilderness Areas still closed:
- Black Bear Wilderness Area
- Black Hammock Wilderness Area
- Lake Jesup Wilderness Area
- Unstaffed Park still closed:
- Overlook Park
Last Updated: October 18, 2024 3:00pm
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
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: October 11, 2024 10:13am
DEBRIS UPDATES
Please prepare your curbside debris by Monday, October 21 at the latest. Large amounts of debris do not need to be binned, bagged, or bundled like normal yard waste. Pile it at the curbside.
CURBSIDE GUIDELINES:
- Please separate vegetative disaster debris (branches, tree trunks, limbs, etc.) and construction and demolition disaster debris (building materials, large items) into two distinct piles at the curb. These should be items that were lost as a result of the hurricane.
- Ensure that the piles are kept off streets, sidewalks, and storm drains, and are positioned away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, or other structures.
- If possible, cut branches and logs into 4-foot sections.
- Try and combine your pile with your neighbor’s to create larger piles and expedite collection.
- Avoid using plastic bags for vegetative debris. Pile your debris. You may also place in bins, paper bags, or bundles.
SCHEDULE:
- Prepare your curbside debris by Monday, October 21 at the latest.
- Please be patient - a schedule is not available for contracted debris haulers (trucks with grapples/claws to pick up piles). Once they begin, haulers will collect as much as possible during working hours.
If you prefer, you may bring it to the Landfill (1930 E Osceola Rd, Geneva). Unincorporated Seminole County residents may drop off at no charge.
For information about regular Solid Waste services, including trash/recycling collection and yard waste, click here.
Last Updated: October 21, 2024 8:27am
A FEMA Mobile Registration Support Center will be open Monday and Tuesday at the Westside Community Center / Boys and Girls Club in Sanford. Residents can apply for individual FEMA assistance or get help with making minor updates to their applications. A special thanks to the City of Sanford for their coordination and support!
Westside Community Center / Boys and Girls Club
919 S Persimmon Avenue, Sanford
Monday, October 21 and Tuesday, October 22
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
FEMA has declared Seminole County as a designated disaster area following Hurricane Milton. Residents can apply NOW for Individual Assistance through FEMA.
For more information or to start the application, go to disasterassistance.gov
Call the FEMA Helpline, toll-free at 1-800-621-3362, 7a.m.–10p.m., 7 days a week.
FEMA Resources
- Mental Health Resources
- Disaster Survivor's Checklist
- Lista de Cotejo Para Sobrevivientes de Desastres
BLUE ROOF PROGRAM
Seminole County residents can register for the Army Corps of Engineers Blue Roof Program. Eligible individuals can apply through Tuesday, November 5. The Blue Roof Program is fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover the damaged roof until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. Learn more or apply at blueroof.gov.
IRS RELIEF
The IRS is providing relief for individuals who suffered damage or loss during Hurricane Milton. Learn more or apply here.
SBA ASSISTANCE
Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance is available. Learn more about eligibility and apply for an SBA disaster loan at sba.gov.
D-SNAP ASSISTANCE
SNAP recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Milton can apply for food replacement at myflfamilies.com/milton.
Last Updated: October 21, 2024 8:22am
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.
- No Wake: Motorists should not drive through water fast enough to create wake. Please drive slowly. Motorized boats are not safe to operate on roadways. If you need assistance to pass through flooded areas, first responders stand ready to assist with appropriate vehicles.
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: October 13, 2024 10:53am
UNMET NEEDS
An unmet need is a gap between verified disaster-caused damages and obtainable aid (such as insurance assistance, Federal and State assistance, and personal resources). Non-government agencies and volunteers can assist those incapable of making homes livable or passible with muck out, dry wall repair/replace, tarp roof, debris removal, fence repair, wheelchair ramp repair, basic other home repairs, minor roof repair, and similar projects.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Eligible individuals who may receive assistance with these types of projects include residents of Seminole County with special needs, disabilities, seniors, and low- to fixed-income households.
MAKE A REQUEST
Call the Office of Emergency Management at 407-665-5102 or the Citizens Information Hotline at 407-665-0000 to register the unmet need.
Last Updated: October 15, 2024 10:26am
MOSQUITO CONTROL
Mosquito populations can multiply in standing waters from flooding.
For a mosquito spray request, please visit: www.seminolecountyfl.gov/mosquito
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 10:15am
SANDBAG LOCATIONS
Old Geneva Volunteer Fire Station
217 2nd Street, Geneva
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Unstaffed
Lake Monroe Wayside Park
4150 US 17-92, Sanford
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Unstaffed
Sylvan Lake Park
845 Lake Markham Road, Sanford
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Unstaffed
All other County sandbag locations are 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). They may be brought to the Landfill at the end of hurricane season.
MORE INFORMATION:
VIDEO: Proper Sandbag Use
Last Updated: October 13, 2024 8:55am
STAY INFORMED
- EMERGENCY ALERTS: Register for emergency alerts through AlertSeminole and get alerts via text, email, or voice call about weather events, evacuations, and more.
- GENERAL TEXT ALERTS: Text "Storm2024" to 888-777 for storm-specific information.
- PHONE: Call the Seminole County Citizens Information Line at (407) 665-0000 with storm-related questions. Hablamos español.
- SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Seminole County on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and Nextdoor.
- TV: Watch Seminole Government Television (SGTV) at seminolecountyfl.gov/SGTV, on Spectrum Cable Channel 498, or on YouTube.
- EMAIL NEWSLETTER: Subscribe to the Seminole County Newsletter for email updates.
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 10:05am
WELL WATER TESTING
Seminole County residents with private wells that were submerged in floodwaters from Hurricane Milton should have their well water tested for contaminants and water quality. If wells are affected by floodwaters, there may be disease-causing organisms in the water. At a minimum, residents should check their well if it was submerged to make certain there are no mechanical problems. If your well was not flooded but you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well.
WELL WATER SAFETY
If you suspect your water has been contaminated, follow these safety tips:
- Boil tap water and hold it at a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let it cool completely before using to avoid burns.
- Disinfect tap water by adding eight drops of plain, unscented household bleach per gallon of water. If a higher strength bleach is used (8.259 strength), only add seven drops of bleach. Mix the solution and let it stand for 30 minutes. If still cloudy after the second treatment, dispose of water and start the process over one more time.
- Use commercially available bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.
If you must disinfect your well after a disaster, use a contractor with experience. If completing a FEMA or insurance application, this information should be provided as part of the application process.
WELL WATER RESOURCES
PDF: Florida Department of Health - Private Well Water
PDF: Florida Department of Health - Agua de Pozos Privados
Certified Labs: NELAP Certified Laboratory Search
Last Updated: October 21, 2024 3:46pm