From Staff Reports and the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County's Office of Emergency Management will host the 2026 Hurricane Expo: Power of Preparedness on June 20 at Oak Ridge High School. The free event will connect residents with emergency responders, safety vendors, and preparedness resources. National Weather Service meteorologist Brendan Schaper will provide an update on the 2026 hurricane outlook.
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As hurricane season enters its first month, Orange County officials are inviting residents to prepare now rather than wait until a storm is approaching.
Orange County Office of Emergency Management will host the 2026 Hurricane Expo: Power of Preparedness on Saturday, June 20, offering residents an opportunity to learn how to protect their families, homes, and businesses before severe weather threatens Central Florida.
Related: Why it can pay to invest in resilience: 4 ways to prepare your home for natural disasters.
The free event will take place from 9 am to 1 pm at Oak Ridge High School.
Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with emergency responders, preparedness experts, and safety vendors about hurricane planning, evacuation procedures, emergency supplies, and recovery resources.
The expo will also feature a presentation from Brendan Schaper, who will discuss the latest forecasts and outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
Organizers say the event is designed to help residents take practical steps to prepare for hurricanes before a storm is imminent. Free preparedness items will be distributed while supplies last.
Orange County encourages residents to create an emergency plan, build disaster supply kits, and stay informed throughout hurricane season. The county serves more than a million residents across 13 municipalities, including Apopka, Winter Garden, Ocoee, and Orlando.
Residents can learn more about hurricane preparedness by visiting Orange County Storm Center.
For additional information, residents can contact the Orange County Office of Emergency Management at 407-836-9140 or email ocoem@ocfl.net.
For more information, call: 407-836-9140 or email: ocoem@ocfl.net. For more information on hurricane preparedness, please visit: www.ocfl.net/storm.
Key Points:
- The Hurricane Expo will take place Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- The event will be held at Oak Ridge High School, 700 W. Oak Ridge Road in Orlando.
- Residents can speak one-on-one with emergency responders and safety vendors.
- National Weather Service meteorologist Brendan Schaper will discuss the 2026 hurricane season forecast.
- Free preparedness items will be available while supplies last.
