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Emergency Preparedness

As Central Florida recovers from Hurricane Milton, CFHLA is providing information from local, municipal, and state agencies to provide timely, accurate, and beneficial details for our members and our Central Florida neighbors.

Please see information below provided directly from local and state emergency management officials for important updates after this hurricane. 

Alert Florida to signup for emergency alerts and other public safety notifications in your community.

Duke Energy Power Outage Map▼

Florida Power & Light Company Power Outage Map▼

Business Damage Assessment Survey:
CFHLA urges any business that has been impacted by Hurricane Milton to self-report any physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. FloridaDisaster.biz

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program:
FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton.

Florida small business owners who need assistance can apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

Disaster Debris Removal Crews Are on the Move in Orange County

Orange County Public Works crews deployed on October 16, 2024, to collect large storm debris from Hurricane Milton. The initial focus is on vegetative debris. Crews may make multiple passes to clear an area. Residents are asked to follow these guidelines:

  1. Debris should be placed on the curb at the edge of the property.
  2. The debris to be collected must be separated into the following categories:

Vegetative – Includes large branches, tree limbs, logs, and plants.

Appliances – Includes refrigerators, washers and dryers, and air conditioners.

Electronics – Includes televisions, computers, and similar smaller items.

  1. Separate fencing materials from vegetative debris.
  2. Place debris and debris piles AWAY from trees, poles, fire hydrants, water meters, or other structures.
  3. Ensure that the debris does not block the road, sidewalk, or storm drains.
  4. Leaves and small debris must be bagged, canned, or bundled and placed for collection with normal yard waste pick-up on the assigned day.

For additional information, call Orange County’s 311 HelpLine.

FEMA Links to Assist with Hurricane Milton Recovery

Apply for FEMA Assistance – If you have questions about FEMA assistance, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or apply at DisasterAssistance.gov

How to Locate a Disaster Recovery Center- Visit fema.gov/drc, DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA Helpline, or send a text to 43362. When sending the text, type "DRC" and include your zip code.

Use an Online Disaster Assistance Account to:

  1. Check your application status.
  2. Receive notifications regarding your application.
  3. Upload documents and update your application information.

FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, which expanded the number of counties under a state of emergency as we prepared for Hurricane Milton. 51 counties were included in the executive order:

Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia Counties.

Please go to Summary Shelter Information for general and special needs shelters across the State of Florida.

For information from your county Emergency Management program regarding shelter preparedness and open shelters, please visit Shelter Information Index and choose your county.

Special Needs Assistance

If you know or care for an individual with access or functional needs, such as a medical condition who requires assistance but not hospitalization, you need to pre-register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry.

Florida 511 - Get up-to-the-minute, real-time traffic conditions and incident information for the State of Florida with Florida 511.

FEMA - mobile app

Red Cross - mobile apps

Gas Buddy - Gas stations availability

Florida 511 - Get up-to-the-minute, real-time traffic conditions and incident information for the State of Florida with Florida 511.

Florida Highway Patrol - Florida Highway Patrol Live Traffic Crash, Congestion and Road Condition Reports. Reports are updated every five minutes. Incidents located within city limits also may not show on the map, since it is not common practice for FHP to work incidents inside city limits.

Florida Traffic - Traffic incidents and conditions from Florida 511 and Florida Highway Patrol brought to you by Florida State Emergency Response Team Geographic Information Systems.

ORANGE COUNTY

CLICK HERE for the latest storm information from Orange County.

Follow the latest news updates from Orange County Government here.

Check Orange County Public Schools updates on closings. 

LYNX: Get updates on Lynx Transportation services, delays, and schedules here.

Shelters

Get information on Orange County Shelter locations, capacity and Special Needs Shelters here.

Can I bring my pets?
Pets are welcomed at all "Pet-Friendly" shelters. It is important to bring shot records, food, and a crate. Pets are not allowed in General Public Shelters unless they are service animals.

Do I need to register if I am a resident of a nursing home, convalescent and retirement home, or adult congregate living facility?

Residents of nursing homes, convalescent and retirement homes, or adult congregate living facilities are responsible for the evacuation of their own patients and must have emergency plans to handle these types of situations.

Why can't I go to a hospital instead of a Special Needs Shelter?
Local hospitals must maintain the capability to provide for the needs of the very sick or those with life-threatening injuries. Unless you have a life-threatening health/medical condition requiring continuous medical attention, you should go to a designated American Red Cross or Special Needs Shelter.

How long should I plan on staying?
You should plan on staying for the duration of the event or until it is safe to leave.

PET-FRIENDLY SHELTERS

Orange County opens pet-friendly shelters during emergencies and reminds families to include pets in their hurricane prep plans:

  • Ensure pet vaccinations are current.
  • Consider microchipping pets if not already done so to ensure you can find pets in the event you are separated.
  • Have a copy of your pet’s medical records, which should be included in your “Pet Disaster Kit.”
  • Arrange for a safe place to stay that permits pets.
  • Research places that are pet friendly. (Note – animals are not allowed in Red Cross Shelters, except for service animals, so you may want to stay with a friend or relative, or motel/hotel that is pet-friendly).
  • If possible, PLEASE do not leave pets behind during an evacuation or emergency.
  • With pending serious weather, bring all households pets inside.

For pet-friendly shelters, individuals are asked to bring a carrier, copy of medical records to ensure pets are current on vaccines, food, water and any necessary medications and identification for the pet.

Sandbags / Operations

Get updates here as conditions change about locations to pick up sandbags in Orange County.

Get storm updates and news from the City of Orlando here.

Get storm updates and news from the City of Apopka here.

Get storm updates and news from the City of Winter Park here.

Get storm updates and news from the City of Maitland here.

Get storm updates and news from the Town of Eatonville here.

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Local info: www.osceola.org

For the latest Hurricane Milton information from the Osceola County Emergency Management Office, please CLICK HERE.

School Local info: www.osceolaschools.net

Register for Alerts: www.AlertOsceola.org

Get more info at www.ReadyOsceola.org

Get storm updates from the City of Kissimmee here.

Get storm updates from the City of St. Cloud here.

SEMINOLE COUNTY
For the latest Hurricane Milton information from the Seminole County Emergency Management Office, please CLICK HERE.

Get the latest updates on closings from Seminole County Public Schools

Get updates on Medically Enhanced Shelters

Make a family or business Disaster Plan

Register for Alerts from Alert Seminole 

FEMA will never ask you for money to provide disaster assistance. Recognize fraud: 

  • FEMA employees will always have an official ID 
  • Don’t trust anyone who offers financial help & asks for money or personal info. 
  • Always talk with someone you trust.

Ways to Report Fraud to FEMA

For more information visit fema.gov/disaster-fraud

Report Price Gouging in Florida

  • Call: 1-866-966-7226

Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

  • Water — one gallon per person, per day, for at least three days.
  • Food — at least a three-day supply of nonperishable items.
  • Blankets/sleeping bags/pillows/towels.
  • Closed-toe, sturdy shoes.
  • Jacket or coat.
  • NOAA weather radio or other battery-powered radio.
  • Flashlight.
  • Extra batteries.
  • Important documents — copies of insurance policies, identification, bank account records and emergency medical information — stored in a waterproof and portable container.
  • Prescription medication.
  • Extra cash.
  • Dust masks to help filter contaminated air.
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place.
  • Garbage bags.
  • Whistle.
  • Basic tools such as a wrench, pliers and screwdriver.
  • Manual can opener.
  • Local maps.
  • Cell phone and charger.
  • Personal hygiene items and feminine supplies.
  • First aid kit.
    • Two pairs of latex or other sterile gloves.
    • Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
    • Soap and antibiotic towelettes.
    • Antibiotic and burn ointments.
    • Bandages in a variety of sizes.
    • Eye wash solution.
    • Thermometer.
    • Aspirin or other pain reliever.
    • Anti-diarrhea medication.
    • Antacid.
    • Laxative.
    • Scissors and tweezers.
    • Prescription medications and medical supplies.

Secure Your Property and Valuable Items

  • Trim trees and shrubs around your home so that they are more wind-resistant.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Reinforce garage doors so wind doesn’t enter and cause structural damage.
  • Bring in outdoor objects (furniture, toys, tools, etc.), anchor objects that cannot be brought inside, and remove outside antennas.
  • Take photos of your home and surrounding area for insurance.
  • Keep valuables and important documents with you in a waterproof container. Consider scanning and sending copies of documents to yourself via email so that you have an electronic version available after the storm.
  • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so.
  • Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting, and keep its doors closed. If you suspect flooding, duct tape your refrigerator shut.
  • If electricity is lost, turn off appliances to avoid power surge when electricity is restored.
  • Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water to ensure a supply for sanitary purposes.
  • If necessary, take refuge in a small interior room (closet/hallway/bathroom) on the lowest level and away from windows and glass doors.