Storm Safety Tips

Alerts

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City Updates

Sign up for "Emergency Management Alerts" to receive email and text alerts before, during, and after the storm. 

County Updates

Orange County will distribute important countywide updates for shelters, re-openings, and other important information through their Orange County Florida website, Twitter, and Facebook page. 

Mobile Applications

After Storm

Debris After the Storm

Visit our Storm Waste Collection page for updates.

Generator Safety

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which cannot be smelled or seen. The carbon monoxide generated is deadly and can kill you within minutes. Things to remember when using a generator:

  • Make sure the generator is out and away from your garage, door, windows, and vents (at least 20 feet).
  • Install a battery operated or battery backup Carbon Monoxide detector in the hallway outside bedrooms.
  • Use a heavy duty extension cord to connect electric appliances directly to the outlet on the generator.
  • Start the generator first before connecting appliances.
  • Store the fuel in a clearly marked container intended for that purpose. Store it outside of the living space.

Traffic Safety

When Approaching an Intersection

  • Flashing Red: Treat as a Stop Sign
  • Flashing Yellow: Proceed with Caution
  • No Signal Lights: Treat as a 4-Way Stop

City of Apopka Approaching an Intersection Flashing Red, Flashing Yellow or No Signal Light


Preventing Crimes

With hurricane season already in progress, storm preparation is a major priority for many. While most people have an idea what to gather in preparation for the intense weather (extra food and water, sandbags, flashlights, etc.), few know what steps to take in preparation for the increase in crime that follows a natural disaster. In times of devastation, looting seems to be one of the most common issues faced globally. This type of crime can be prevented by taking simple precautionary steps, such as locking away items of value and keeping your home and car doors locked at all times.

During a state of emergency, it is important to come together as a community. With this in mind, we also encourage you to follow these tips from the Apopka Police Department:

  • Work together with your neighbors and help each other keep an eye on homes throughout the storm.

  • Secure your valuables by locking the doors to your home, business, and vehicles. Criminals will look for easy opportunity crimes before and after a storm. If you plan on leaving your home, take important paperwork such as birth certificates and bank documents with you.

  • Don’t announce your hurricane preparation plans on social media. There is no need to alert potential criminals if you are leaving your home.

  • Report price gouging to the Florida Attorney General.

  • Verify and research charity requests at Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Give Alliance page.

Before & During a Storm

Track and Monitor

Residents should monitor the weather. The National Hurricane Center offers tracking, maps, and information regarding active storms. 

Make an Emergency Plan

Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do after the storm. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit. 

Build an Emergency Kit

Assemble a disaster needs kit with some of the following items:

  • Battery Powered Radio
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for kids
  • Bottled Water
  • Cash or traveler’s checks and change
  • Emergency information from the Ready Gov page.
  • Extra Batteries
  • Family Emergency Plan
  • First Aid Kit and medications
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Fully Charged Cell Phones and charger
  • Gas for a Home Generator
  • Important Documents in a Water Proof Container
  • Non-Electric Can Opener
  • Non-Perishable Packaged Food
  • Paper & pen or pencil
  • Pet Care Items
  • Special Items for Infants and the Elderly
  • Vehicle Fuel Tanks Filled

Be sure to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation. For food, at least a three day supply. 

Ready has provided information on how to build a kit.

Create a Family Emergency Plan

Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do after the storm. Include it in your emergency kit. 

Ready has provided a Family Emergency Plan (PDF) to help create your plan. 

Shelters

Orange County will provide updates once shelters are open. If a citizen requires a Special Needs/Medical Shelter during an emergency to please call 311. Available apps: Locate Shelters using the FEMA app and the OCFL Alert app. 

Orange County provides general population shelters for Central Floridians who have been evacuated from their homes, live in low-lying areas, and for all others seeking shelter from a storm. Shelters are alcohol, drug and weapon free. Individuals should come prepared with supplies. For location and openings of shelters, please visit Orange County’s website.

Strengthen Your Home

  • Secure loose outdoor items
  • Secure all doors
  • Move vehicles to a safe location
  • Cover windows
  • Trim trees

For those renting, check with your landlord on how you can prepare your home before a storm. 

Additional Resources