Disability Resource Directory - Orange County

Hurricane
Preparedness
Before a hurricane threatens, you
must plan what to do.
Do you know if you live within a flood
zone? If you live in an area prone
to flooding during heavy rains, you
may want to relocate. Find out by
calling Orange County’s Stormwater
Management Division at 407-836-7946
and they will ask for your address.
Inventory your property. Review your
insurance policies and coverage before
property becomes threatened. Separate
policies are needed for protection
against wind and flood damage. Check
your homeowners policy if you are a
homeowner and check your tenant
coverage if you are a renter. Keep
descriptions and pictures along with
insurance papers inside waterproof plastic
bags and take these with you instead
of trying to pack everything into a safe
place. Keep backup documents in a safety
deposit box at your bank. Give copies to
family members or friends outside your risk
area. If you have to evacuate, take these
documents with you. Move large items to
higher levels of your home.
Protect your property from falling dead
tree limbs and branches. Have limbs and
branches near power lines trimmed.
Anchor loose objects outside (garbage
cans, tools and toys). If you have a
garage, bring loose objects inside. In high
winds, these may become flying objects
and cause serious injury and property
damage. Have shutters or lumber for
protecting large windows or doors. Draw
drapes across windows and doors to
protect against flying glass. Brace your
garage door and lower antennas.
Educate yourself on what to expect
during emergency situations, especially
hurricanes. Does your family know how
to get in touch with you? Where to meet
the rest of the family members if you are
separated? Involve your family members
in putting together your disaster plan.
When a weather watch is issued,
turn on your radio. Consider purchasing
a NOAA Weather Alert Radio.
Make your travel plans. If you are
a person that requires assistance to
evacuate, are you registered with the
Special Needs Registry. If not, call 407-
836-9319. If you have a serious health
condition that requires specialized
medical support during an evacuation
you are encouraged to register with the
Special Needs Program and your local
utility company if electrical power is
needed.
Maintain supplies year round of
flashlights, batteries, covered candles or
lamps and safety matches, nonperishable
foods, and containers for drinking water
(at least two quarts of water per day per
person). Store at least one gallon per day
per person to accommodate washing
and bathing. Set aside 3 days change
of clothing including your toiletries and
medications needed should you have to
evacuate.
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