Hurricane Guide

1. Overview

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that pose potential threats such as powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, flooding, rip currents, tornadoes, etc. Hurricane season runs from June 1 - November 30, with the peak season from mid-August to end of October. Categories three and higher are considered major hurricanes.

2. Before The Hurricane

Prepare your family

  • Sign up for emergency alerts with CodeRed.
  • Use the Get a Plan tool at Floridadisaster.org to help you make a plan and build a disaster kit.
    • Remember to include seven days worth of non-perishable foods, face coverings, hand sanitizers and disinfectants in your supply kits.
  • 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. To prevent, 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.
  • Refrain from performing major yard work prior to a named storm. Excess yard waste increases the burden on our crews and we cannot guarantee removal before storm force winds arrive.  
  • Do not stack yard waste at the curb. If it has not been removed by city crews before the storm, store it against your home. Yard waste at the curb can wash into storm drains and cause localized flooding. 
  • Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.
  • Consider building a safe room.
  • 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.

3. During The Hurricane

  • Tune into Orlando's Emergency Radio Station 1650 AM for updates.
  • 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.

You can:

  • 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.

4. 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.

    You can:

    • avoid using washing machines and dishwashers
    • take quick showers instead of baths
    • flush toilets sparingly

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 floodwaters.

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, please contact the water reclamation division immediately at 407.246.2213.
  • If you smell a sewer-like scent in your neighborhood, contact the Water Reclamation Compliance and Public Awareness Section to schedule an inspection at 407.246.2657.

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 won’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 kickback.
  • Keep both hands on the saw while it is 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 City of Orlando on Twitter @citybeautiful 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 an insurance claim.
  • Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.