Resources are available to residents in Orange and Seminole counties and Orlando to help them secure their homes and stay on top of the latest news regarding Hurricane Irma and its impacts locally.
Orange County
Sand bags
Orange County is distributing free sand bags to those with proof of residency at six locations. Distribution will be until 7 p.m. Wednesday, and 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Residents may have up to 10 bags. See here for distribution locations: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/EmergencySafety/EmergencyInformation.aspx#.Wz5unlZKhTY
Shelters/Emergency Updates
Three Orange County mobile applications are available for free for both Apple and Android devices that allow users to receive emergency-management information during the storm and to report problems.
Residents also can sign up for free for OC ALERT that allows Orange County government to contact you via email or text message during an emergency. Sign up here: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736724792#/login
Orlando
Sand bags
The city will give away 10 bags per address from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Streets and Stormwater Division, 1010 Woods Ave.
Emergency Updates
Orlando’s Emergency Radio Station is 1650 AM and operates from the Orlando Operations Center. This service provides emergency information to citizens before, during and after a disaster. When there are no emergencies, information such as road closures, parking information or planned events will be broadcast.
CodeRed is a service that provides emergency phone messages to targeted regions of the city. Click here to visit the site.
Seminole County
Sand bags
Residents can get up to 15 bags to fill. For updated information about locations and times, go to: www.seminolecountyfl.gov/sandbags. Take your own shovel.
Shelters/Emergency Updates
Alert Seminole is a free electronic notification system that will notify your cell phone, pager or other text message-enabled device when there is a Seminole County emergency. Go to Alert Seminole to register your electronic device and email address. Seminole County’s Emergency management office is at 150 Eslinger Way in Sanford, and can be reached at EM@seminolecountyfl.gov or 407-665-5102.
Seminole County has 18 planned shelters around the county. Residents with special needs should register with Seminole County Emergency Management at 407-665-5102. Most emergency shelters do not allow pets. If you are bringing pets, please make sure the shelter accepts them. For a map, click here.
Central Florida residents who are students or employees at UCF are automatically enrolled for UCF Alert to receive university-related announcements via email and text.
To update contact information, log into your myUCF account at www.my.ucf.edu. Click on Student or Employee Self Service on the left side. Under Personal Information, click on UCF Alert. Fill in the required information and click save.