ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – News 6 spoke with Orange County leaders and experts on how to prep for a hurricane and about where the county currently stands with potential storms.
“I want our residents to understand that we are well prepared to be able to deal with anything that could come our way,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said.
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Demings said they are still in the monitoring phase, but he is encouraging residents to be prepared.
For those new to Florida and hurricanes, News 6 meteorologist Troy Bridges spoke about what should be at the top of people’s mind right now.
“Now is the time to start thinking: ‘What do I need to do if I were to be without power for a couple of weeks?’ Often times, that’s what happens when the storm hits, even if they’re tropical storms,” Bridges said.
Bridges pointed to some great tools on clickorlando.com, including a list of items people should be prepared with during hurricane season.
KEY ITEMS
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable snacks
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Important documents
- Sanitation items
- First-aid kit
- List of prescription medications and the actual medications
Orange County Emergency Manager Lauraleigh Avery said people shouldn’t wait until the last minute to buy items to be prepared.
“We would recommend that they’re making those preparations now,” Avery said.
Orange County has opened up five sandbag distribution sites.
Eastside:
- Bithlo Community Park - 18501 Washington Ave., Orlando, FL 32820
- Sunday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Downey Park - 10107 Flowers Ave., Orlando, FL 32825
- Sunday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Meadow Woods Park - 1754 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
- Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Sunday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Westside:
- Barnett Park and Rec Center - 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
- Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Sunday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- West Orange Rec Center - 309 S. West Crown Point Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
- Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Sunday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
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