From the Office of State Sen. Geraldine Thompson
The Office of State Senator Geraldine Thompson released the following list of resources available during Hurricane Milton:
"My fellow residents, as Hurricane Milton approaches, I urge you all to take immediate precautions to ensure your safety. This storm has the potential to cause significant damage, and it is essential that we do everything we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Please follow all evacuation orders if they are issued, and make sure you have enough food, water, and emergency supplies to last several days. Stay tuned to local news channels and official announcements for updates, and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsen."
Emergency shelter locations, report power outages, and additional resources, listed below:
- 911 Emergency Services
- 311 Orange County Customer Service
- Orange County Office of Emergency Management:
- Hurricane Safety Guide:
- Sandbags Locations:
- Orange County Public Schools Update: All after-school activities are canceled for Tuesday with the exception of after-school care. All schools and facilities will be closed Wednesday, October 9th and Thursday, October 10th.
- Utility Outages:
- Duke Energy Safety information: Duke Energy encourages customers to have a plan in place to respond to an extended power outage after a hurricane or other severe weather. Below are some tips:
- Flooding and electrical safety
- If rising water threatens your home – or if you evacuate your home – turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
- Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Don’t drive over – and don’t stand near – downed power lines.
- Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, or while standing on a wet or damp surface.
- Those who cannot receive power due to damage to the property’s meter base, breaker panel or customer-owned electrical wiring should contact their local municipalities for guidance. Inspections may be required after repairs are complete. For more tips on how to prepare for storm season, and how Duke Energy can help, please visit duke-energy.com/StormTips.
- Outage reporting
- Before the storm hits, customers should contact Duke Energy to make sure their contact information is up to date and their communication preferences are noted, so they receive proactive outreach on the status on a power outage they may experience.
Customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways:
- Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
- Use the Duke Energy mobile app – Download the Duke Energy app from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
- Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
- Call the automated outage reporting system at 800.228.8485.
There is also an interactive outage map where customers can find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration.
- OUC: ONLINE STORM CENTER
- OUC’s Online Storm Center is a one-stop shop to prepare yourself and your family before, during and after a major weather event in Central Florida. You can find special needs information, helpful preparation videos, safety tips, a live outage map, and important phone numbers. You can even register for Outage Alerts, which allow you to receive up-to-date outage notifications via your choice of voice, text or email. Visit OUC.com/stormcenter.
- Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume the line is energized and never touch it or attempt to move it. If you spot a downed or damaged power line, call OUC immediately at 407-423-9018.
Special Needs Shelters:
- In response to Hurricane Milton, the Florida Department of Health has prepared for special needs shelter operations to begin in areas of anticipated landfall.
- In an emergency, such as an evacuation for a hurricane, you may need to go to a special needs shelter. If you know or care for an individual with a disability or a special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, it is important that you pre-register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry. You will need to log in with an existing account or create a new account.
- Registering through the Florida Special Needs Registry allows local emergency management officials to provide important information and quickly assist you during an emergency. For more information, contact your county’s emergency management office or visit the Florida Special Needs Registry.
If you are eligible for a special needs shelter, your kit should include:
- List of medications and dosage
- A 30-day supply of medications
- Vital medical equipment for those who may be electrically or oxygen dependent,
- Backup energy sources for essential medical equipment
- Any special dietary needs or food
- Personal information including:
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- List of emergency contacts
- Your primary care provider’s contact information
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After completing the Florida Special Needs Registry, additional information will be provided to you by your local emergency management agency regarding evacuation and sheltering options available.
For more information on your local shelter status, please visit FloridaDisaster.org.
If you are a health care provider, please contact SNR@flhealth.gov to obtain a login for the special needs registry to ensure you are able to use all health care provider functions.
