Hurricane Preparedness Guide

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

June 1 thru November 30

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WHAT’S INSIDE iv

BE PREPARED

1

ANTICIPATING ARRIVAL

2

HOW THE CITY COMMUNICATES

4

AFTER THE STORM

6

POWER RESTORATION

7

DEBRIS MANAGEMENT

11

SPECIAL NEEDS

12

SHELTERING

14

NUMBERS & WEBSITES

15

WEATHER LINGO

16

HURRICANE CATEGORIES

17

CHECKLISTS

18

ESSENTIAL NUMBERS FORM

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PREPARE YOUR HOME n Fasten loose rain gutters & downspouts and clear any

clogged areas or debris.

BE PREPARED

Step 1 Put together a plan by discussing these questions: n How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? n What is my shelter plan? n What is my evacuation route? n What is my family/household communication plan?

Step 2 Consider specific needs in your household.

Step 3 Fill out a Family Emergency Plan [ready.gov/make-a-plan].

Step 4 Practice your plan with your family/household.

n Repair loose fence panels. n Secure things that can take flight, such as potted plants,

exterior décor & outdoor furniture, by placing them indoors.

n Consider purchasing a portable generator or install one for use during power outages. n Specific time line for preparation details can be found in the next section.

GENERATOR SAFETY Remember the 3 DON’Ts when using generators: 1. DON’T run a generator in the house.

2. DON’T run a generator in the garage.

3. DON’T plug the generator directly into your home’s main electrical system.

{ {

leads to asphyxiation sends electrical charge back into power grid = electrocution hazard to utility workers

DO run the generator outside in a well-ventilated area.

DO plug individual appliances directly into the generator.

CONSTRUCTION SITES

Contractors which have active construction projects are requested to have their sites secured to prevent flying debris. If you see a construction site unsecured, please contact the Building & Permitting Services Department at 407-599-3237 or call the contractor directly when contact information is available at the site.

1

ANTICIPATING ARRIVAL

ALWAYS n Have an emergency preparedness kit with non-perishable

essentials set aside year-round for hurricane season.

36 HOURS PRIOR n Check your TV, radio or online news source to get the latest

weather updates & emergency instructions.

n Bookmark cityofwinterpark.org/hurricanes for quick access to local

storm updates & emergency instructions.

n Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food & water

sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash & first aid supplies. n Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power [text, call, email or social media]. n Gather your charging sources for everyone’s phones such as a car charger and/or portable cell phone power bank. n Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly, so plan ahead. n Keep your car in good working condition & the gas tank full.

Stock it with emergency supplies & a change of clothes.

18-36 HOURS PRIOR n Check your TV, radio or online news source to get the latest

weather updates & emergency instructions.

n Check cityofwinterpark.org/hurricanes for quick access to local

storm updates & emergency instructions. n Bring loose, lightweight objects inside if they have the potential to become projectiles in high winds [i.e., patio furniture, garbage cans]. n Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside [i.e., propane tanks]. n Cover all your home’s windows. » Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. » A more common option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior- or marine-grade plywood. Cut to fit & install.

2

n Pay attention to your TV, radio, or online news source, and

cityofwinterpark.org/hurricanes for the latest local updates and emergency instructions. n Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power. Keep it plugged in until the power goes out.

6 HOURS PRIOR n Pay close attention to your TV, radio, or online news source, and cityofwinterpark.org/

hurricanes for the latest local updates & emergency instructions.

n If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to shelter in place

and let friends and family know where you are.

n Close storm shutters and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows

can injure you.

n Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Open only when necessary,

so if you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.

ANTICIPATING ARRIVAL

6-18 HOURS PRIOR

3

HOW THE CITY COMMUNICATES

MOST USED TOOLS

n cityofwinterpark.org/hurricanes

n cityofwinterpark.org/citEnews

all hurricane-related information & updates will be posted here

subscribe & receive hurricane info via email

n cityofwinterpark.org/

n facebook.com/

outreach

WinterParkEmergencyInfo

the city’s emergency alert system [sign up to receive a phone call, text or email]

[@WinterParkEmergencyInfo]

n nextdoor.com

sign up for neighborhoodspecific info

REPORT OUTAGES 4

Electric Utility Department

1-877-811-8700

Water & Wastewater Utilities Department

407-599-3219

n x.com/WinterParkFla

[@WinterParkFla]

Non-emergency Information Line Message Center Information Email

407-599-3494 MessageCenter@cityofwinterpark.org

When a storm is predicted to severely impact Winter Park, the city’s Emergency Operations Center [EOC] is activated at different levels depending on the time & level of impact.

Level 1 = Full Activation EOC is fully staffed with all departments working 24-7 on response and recovery.

Level 2 = Partial Activation EOC is staffed with essential personnel, with others on standby.

Level 3 = Monitoring Status EOC is operational and ready for activation when needed.

HOW THE CITY COMMUNICATES

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER [once activated]

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AFTER THE STORM

REMEMBER n Do not wander outside to “sight-see” until the area is declared safe

by officials. Although the desire to start clean-up efforts is great, conditions are still dangerous [live power lines may be down in areas

you cannot see; storm debris scattered about; weakened tree limbs; etc.].

n Never approach a loose/dangling power line – report them immediately. n Drive only if necessary. n If you had to evacuate, return home only when officials say it is safe. n Stay out of any building that is surrounded by water. n Avoid using tap water until you are sure it is safe to consume. n Inspect your home for damages, take pictures and report. n Check refrigerator and/or freezer for food spoilage [if the power went out].

CURFEWS n Abide by city and county curfews. Please stay indoors until curfews are lifted. n Notices regarding curfews will be posted on the city’s

most-used communications tools [see page 4].

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n Prior to the storm’s arrival, Winter Park Electric [WPE] has already prepared their crews,

and if needed, secured outside assistance via the city’s mutual aid agreement through the Florida Municipal Electric Association to be on standby, ready to assist.

n Once a major storm causes large-scale power outages, WPE immediately begins

evaluation of the damage. For outdoor evaluations, crews do not work in unsafe conditions when the wind speed is at 35 MPH or greater.

n For the first 24 hours, WPE cannot tell customers when power will be restored. This is

because crews are still assessing the damage and prioritizing restoration efforts.

Your patience is of utmost importance during this stage.

Please remember, if the transmission lines that provide power to the city’s substations are down, Winter Park Electric is unable to restore power until Duke Energy Florida® has made its repairs.

DETERMINING WHO GETS POWER TURNED ON FIRST

POWER RESTORATION

IN THE BEGINNING

Priority 1 = critical life-safety locations hospitals, police & fire stations, other emergency facilities, and critical lift stations Priority 2 = largest outages repair power lines serving the largest number of customers in multiple locations Priority 3 = smallest outages repair power lines serving a small number of customers at each location

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POWER RESTORATION

HOW YOUR POWER FLOWS

overhead transmission lines

SUBSTATION 230,000 volts

overhead main feeder

12,470 volts switchgear [breakers]

breaker

transformer

conduits

underground transmission lines

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underground main feeder

underground electric manhole

lateral fuse lateral

static

transformer service line

residential & commercial buildings

concrete poles

customer service equipment

pad mounted transformer

underground service

POWER RESTORATION

lighting arrestors

customer service equipment

[original graphic created by OUC]

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POWER RESTORATION

WHY DOES MY NEIGHBOR HAVE POWER AND I DON’T? n There are a variety of reasons why this might occur:

1. Your house may be on a different feeder line or transformer than your neighbor.

2. The service line may have been damaged [line from the power pole to your home].

3. Your main breaker that connects power lines to your home may be switched off. Please check your main breaker [normally located next to your meter outside your home].

4. You have damage to your weatherhead [only on overhead services]. a. If you are without power and your neighbor has been restored, locate your weatherhead to see if it is disconnected. The weatherhead [right] is where the electric lines meet the electric meter on your home. If this is damaged, you will need to have it repaired by a licensed electrician before the Winter Park Electric [WPE] can restore your power.

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS n In a major storm, there will be lines down that may still be energized. n Do not touch any downed lines. n Do not assume any wire on the ground is safe to touch. n Stay away from all wires, avoid anything they are touching,

and report the issue.

n In a major event, the initial outage volume is very high, so please understand

the WPE will work to restore your power as quickly as possible.

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n After a storm, debris of all types may be scattered everywhere. Once your curfew has been

lifted, here are the proper ways to collect, gather, and pile debris for expedited pick up.

*DO NOT place debris near or on trees, poles, hydrants, meters or other structures.

Non-containerized vegetative debris

Stack logs, plants & tree branches

Bagged & containerized yard debris Place as much yard waste in bags or containers as possible

DEBRIS MANAGEMENT

SEPARATE. SEPARATE. SEPARATE.

Household garbage & recycling

Use your regular containers & bag only when necessary

Fencing

Pile all fencing materials separate from other debris

*DO NOT block roadway with debris as this will only DELAY pick-up.

DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY For weather events that result in significant property damage, please place these items in SEPARATE piles at curbside for pick up, as determined by the city: n construction or demolition debris

n major household appliances

n electronics & computers

n household hazardous waste

Updates for debris pick up will be shared on the city’s most used tools [see page 4].

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SPECIAL NEEDS

IMPORTANT REMINDER Registration with the city’s Medical Essential Service Information Form or county’s special needs program DOES NOT n offer you uninterrupted utility service n exempt you from payment of electric bills n make your property a higher priority for restoration

Customers on life support systems should make arrangements in advance to move to a location where their needs can be met.

CITY OF WINTER PARK MEDICAL ESSENTIAL SERVICE PROGRAM n This program offered by the City of Winter Park to its

electric utility customers provides:

1. Limited extension of time to pay utility bills.

2. Special notification* prior to disconnection of service for non-payment to allow customer to secure funds or make necessary arrangements [*outages due to natural disasters are unexpected, no prior notifications will be provided]. n Customers need to meet the following criteria:

1. Certified by a licensed physician of your medically-essential need.

2. Dependent on electric-powered equipment that must be operated continuously or as circumstances require as specified by a physician to avoid the loss of life or serious medical complications requiring immediate hospitalization. n To receive these benefits, download, complete and submit a

Medical Essential Service Information Form found at cityofwinterpark.org/MedicalEssentialService.

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During periods of evacuation or emergency, if you or a family member require evacuation and/or sheltering assistance due to physical, mental or cognitive impairments, or sensory disabilities, it is important that you are aware of the Orange County People with Special Needs Program [PSN]. n Who is eligible?

Any Orange County resident who meets the established eligibility criteria may register. Registrants need to update their information annually or as the registrant’s needs change. Registrants that do not update their information annually will be placed in an inactive status.

SPECIAL NEEDS

ORANGE COUNTY PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM

n How do you register?

1. Access floridadisaster.org/snr.

[Florida Division of Emergency Management]

2. Access snr.flhealthresponse.com.

[Florida Department of Health]

3. Access orangecountyfl.net.

[Orange County Government]

4. Contact 407-836-9140 and request a form from the Orange County Office of Emergency Management.

5. Ask your home healthcare agency, hospice agency, medical equipment supplier or senior social service agency to register you.

Information collected during the registration process is confidential by law and can only be given to emergency responders who may provide for the registrant’s needs during an emergency.

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SHELTERING

now what the weather conditions may bring and then choose a place in K your home or other building that is safe for that hazard [i.e., for a tornado, an interior room on the lowest level away from windows, doors & outside walls].

SHELTERS Orange County provides hurricane and storm emergency shelters as part of its comprehensive response to help individuals, families and communities respond to and recover from disasters. In the event of a storm, shelters will be opened as deemed necessary. n General population shelters

These shelters serve central Floridians that have been evacuated from their homes, live in low-lying areas, and others seeking shelter from the storm.

Shelters are alcohol-, drug- and weapon-free environments. Individuals should come prepared with supplies [see page 22].

n Special medical needs shelters

Orange County has designated special-needs shelter sites during an emergency.

During a hurricane, for example, citizens are encouraged to monitor their local television and radio stations for specific shelter openings and locations.

Once Orange County designates shelter locations, the City of Winter Park will share them via its most used tools [see page 4].

Residents are asked to call 311 if they require special-needs sheltering or transportation.

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1-877-811-8700

n Electric Utility Department power outages n Water & Wastewater Utilities Department outages

407-599-3219

n Non-emergency Information Line

407-599-3494

n Non-emergency police service

407-644-1313

n Non-emergency fire service

407-644-1212 311

n Orange County shelters

After assisting with phone calls, the City Manager helps clean up storm debris.

NUMBERS & WEBSITES

PHONE NUMBERS

HELPFUL SITES n City of Winter Park

cityofwinterpark.org/hurricanes

n Orange County n National Hurricane Center

orangecountyfl.net nhc.noaa.gov

n Ready [Department of Homeland Security]

ready.gov

n Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA]

fema.gov

n Division of Emergency Management

floridadisaster.org

n U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

epa.gov/hurricanes

n Centers for Disease Control [CDC] Preparedness

emergency.cdc.gov

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WEATHER LINGO

TORNADO

A violently rotating column of air, with circulation reaching the ground.

It nearly always starts as a funnel cloud and may be accompanied by a loud roaring noise. n WATCH

I ssued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in/close to the watch area.

n WARNING

Issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado is either occurring or expected to develop.

TROPICAL STORM

A tropical cyclone with strong winds of over 39 miles per hour [MPH] but less than hurricane intensity. n WATCH

I ssued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 39 to 73 MPH or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.

n WARNING

Issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 MPH or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less.

HURRICANE

A tropical cyclone must have minimum sustained winds of at least 74 MPH [Category 1]. The classifications can provide some indication of the potential damage and flooding a hurricane will cause upon landfall. n WATCH

Conditions are possible within 48 hours.

n WARNING

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Conditions are expected within 36 hours or less.

1

WIND 74-95 MPH

2

WIND 96-110 MPH

3

WIND 111-129 MPH

4

WIND 130-156 MPH

5

WIND 157+ MPH or higher

DAMAGE Very dangerous winds will produce some damage.

DAMAGE Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage.

DAMAGE Devastating damage will occur.

DAMAGE Catastrophic damage will occur.

HURRICANE CATEGORIES

SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE DESIGNATING HURRICANE CATEGORIES

DAMAGE Catastrophic damage will occur.

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CHECKLISTS

HOME PREPAREDNESS ESSENTIALS Batteries [various sizes] Battery-operated radio Bring inside or secure anything that can blow away Secure windows, doors, shutters & screens Fill bathtubs with water Fill washing machine with ice [to serve as a cooler] Fill gas tanks & portable containers [if available] Flashlights Food [at least a one-week supply per person; nonperishable preferred] Freeze bags of water [use for ice packs] Fully charge electronic devices & battery packs Gather important documents Generators [adhere to safety measures on page 1] Get basic tools together Make ice Medicines & first aid Plan & practice your evacuation plan Phones with full charge & car charger Safely dispose of chemicals Set fridge to coldest setting & keep doors closed Turn off propane tanks Unplug small appliances Withdraw cash [enough for several days]

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Books, games, puzzles & other activities for children Cash or traveler’s checks Cell phone with chargers & a backup battery Complete change of clothing & sturdy shoes ust mask to help filter contaminated air, plus D plastic sheeting & duct tape to shelter-in-place Family emergency binder Fire extinguisher

CHECKLISTS

FAMILY STAY-AT-HOME KIT

Food [minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food] Glasses & contact lens solution Household chlorine bleach & medicine dropper to disinfect water I mportant documents saved electronically or secure in portable, waterproof container [copies of insurance policies,

identification & bank account records]

Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes & diaper rash cream Manual can opener for food Matches in waterproof container Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels & plastic utensils Moist towelettes, garbage bags & plastic ties for personal sanitation Non-prescription medications Paper & writing utensil Personal hygiene items Pet food & extra water for each pet Prescription medications [both family & pets] Sleeping bag or blanket for each person Water [ one gallon per person per day for minimum three days, for drinking & sanitation] Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

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CHECKLISTS

GO-BAG

A bag that you would take with you in case of an evacuation.

Go-bags should be easily portable like a backpack or suitcase on wheels.

Store it somewhere with easy access.

Baby supplies Batteries

Battery-powered or hand crank radio & NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert Bug spray & sunscreen Emergency contact info Extra cash Extra clothes & shoes Extra house & car keys Flashlight First aid kit Fully-charged electronic devices Important documents Manual can opener Matches Rain gear Medications [seven-day supply] Multi-purpose tool Pet supplies Solar charger Toilet paper Toiletries Water Whistle [signal for help]

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emember, during a disaster what is good for you is good for your pet, R so get them ready, too. If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. reate a buddy system in case you are not home. Ask a trusted C neighbor to check on and/or take in your animals Consider an out-of-town friend or relative to care for your pet Crate or pet carrier [a sturdy, safe crate or carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around & lie down]

CHECKLISTS

PET CHECKLIST

Find pet-friendly hotels [keep a current contact list along evacuation route] Identify pet-friendly shelters [for public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets]

Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital [if temporary shelter is necessary, have contact info in case your pet needs medical care]

Pet rescue decal [so first responders know a pet may be inside] Prepare a pet go-bag Collar or harness with ID tag with current info, rabies tag & leash Familiar items [treats, toys & bedding can help reduce pet stress] First aid kit [cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape & scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea & tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol & saline solution; pet first aid reference guide] Food [minimum three-day supply in an airtight, waterproof container] Important documents [registration information, adoption papers & vaccination documents; microchip & enroll in a recovery database]

Medications & medical records Photo of you & your pet [if you become separated, a picture of you & your pet together will help document ownership and allow others to assist you; include species, breed, age, sex, color & distinguishing characteristics] Sanitation [pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags & house hold chlorine bleach]

Water [minimum three-day supply of water]

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CHECKLISTS

BUSINESS CHECKLIST Anchor & brace any large furniture Back up your data Create employee alert roster Ensure your insurance is up to date Establish written procedures for protecting property & contents Protect important documents & information Seal & secure openings Seal & secure roof and/or soffits Train employees

GENERAL SHELTER SUPPLY CHECKLIST Bedding Clothing & shoes Driver’s license or identification card First-aid supplies Important papers Medical information card Medical supplies utilized on a daily basis [i.e., portable oxygen, cannula, diabetes testing kit, nebulizer, etc.]

Miscellaneous [battery-powered radio, flashlight, batteries, etc.]

Other special items [i.e., eyeglasses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices, walkers, special dietary foods, etc.]

Personal toiletries Phone charger(s) Prescription & non-prescription medications [two-week supply] Something to occupy your time [games, toys, magazines. etc.]

Water & food [three-day supply]

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Doctor_________________________________________________ Pediatrician ____________________________________________ Dentist ________________________________________________ Pharmacy______________________________________________ Hospital _______________________________________________ Veterinarian ____________________________________________

INSURANCE Health_________________________________________________ policy/group#_____________________________________ Auto _________________________________________________ policy/group#_____________________________________ Home _________________________________________________ policy/group#_____________________________________

CHILDREN

ESSENTIAL NUMBERS FORM

MEDICAL

School_________________________________________________ Babysitter ______________________________________________ Daycare _______________________________________________

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updated May 2025

cityofwinterpark.org/ hurricanes