For Immediate Release:
Contact: Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Heather Allebaugh (407) 246-3423

City of Orlando Tropical Storm Ernesto Update #1

Orlando, FL (August 29, 2006) -- Orlando’s Emergency Management personnel are continuing to receive weather updates from the National Hurricane Center to obtain the most recent information available on the strength and projected path of the storm.

Mayor Buddy Dyer encourages all citizens to use today and tomorrow morning to prepare for the potential landfall of Tropical Storm Ernesto to Central Florida. Residents should prepare a Family Disaster Plan and an emergency kit including water (one gallon of water per person per day), food (a three-day supply), medication, battery-powered radio and batteries. Citizens are advised to continue to monitor local television and radio stations for further advisories on the storm activity.

Emergency Operations Center:
On Wednesday, August 30th at 8:00 a.m., the City will activate its Emergency Operations Center at Level II (partial activation), which includes the activation of the Citizen Emergency Information Line, (407) 246-4268. This number will be staffed full-time while the EOC is activated and is available for Orlando citizens to call with any storm-related questions.

Currently, the City's Office of Emergency Management anticipates to move to a Level 1 (full activation) Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. with the key Emergency Support Functions present including Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Transportation and Technology Management. During the Level 1 activation tomorrow morning, the City will provide additional updates to citizens and local media related to the Tropical Storm Ernesto.

Orlando City Government:
The City of Orlando will remain open for “business as usual” tomorrow and will continue to aggressively monitor Tropical Storm Ernesto’s track. Based on the potential impacts of the storm, City Administration will determine if early release of City employees is necessary.

City of Orlando Solid Waste Information:
The City will not pick up the regularly scheduled yard waste and recycling for Wednesday, August 30th. Residents should not put yard waste and recycling by the curb tonight. If residents have any garbage, recycling bins or yard waste still at the curb by 11 a.m. on Wednesday, they are asked to please bring it back to their residence.

Residents with City garbage carts are encouraged to bring their garbage carts into a garage or carport, if possible. If the cart cannot be stored inside, the lid can be left open and the cart filled with water. This will ensure the cart will not blow over from high-speed winds.