When A Hurricane Watch Is Issued

A hurricane may affect our area in 36 hours. Now is the time to:

• Frequently monitor Orange County Government Access or your local TV or radio station for weather updates.
• Check you hurricane supplies/survival kit.
• Contact family members to coordinate efforts.
• Turn refrigerator/freezer to coldest setting.
• Begin installing shutters or pre-cut plywood.
• Pool owners: Don’t drain your pool completely, drop the level by 1 or 2 feet.
• Place outdoor furniture and pool equipment into the pool. Turn off electricity to pool pump.
• Add extra chlorine to compensate for heavy rains.
• Fill your fuel tanks early: Automobile, propane, etc.
• Get extra cash.

When An Evacuation Order Is Issued

You have about 8 hours to accomplish the following:

• Determine if the evacuation order applies to your area.
• Clear your yard of loose objects such as hoses, BBQ grills and lawn chairs and secure them inside.
• Protect valuable and electrical equipment.
• Move them away from windows.
• Cover them with plastic bags.
• Place them in cabinets, large appliances or closets.
• If the order applies to you:
• Call friends/relatives and let them know your evacuation destination.
• Secure all windows and doors tightly.
• Turn off electric, water, and gas.

When A Hurricane Warning Is Issued

• Evacuate quickly, but safely: The leading edge of the storm is just hours away.
• Complete all preparations as soon as possible.
• Move your supplies and survival kit to your safe room.
• Close all interior doors. Secure/ brace external doors, particularly inward-opening doors and garage doors.
• Stay inside

Weathering The Storm

You may hear windows break. Do not leave your safe room until the all clear is issued on the radio, even if the weather sounds calm - you may be in the calm eye of the storm.

• Stay away from unprotected windows.
• Turn on your battery-operated radio.
• Prepare for power outages. Have a flashlight ready. When you lose power, turn off the main circuit breaker.

After The Storm

Below you will find helpful hints for coping after the storm:

• Leave your safe room slowly and carefully.
• Inspect damage inside your house only.
• Begin to clean up the most dangerous conditions such as broken glass.
• Call 9-1-1 to report life threatening emergencies only - not damages or power outages.
• Wait for the all clear from local authorities before you go outside, drive, or return home.
• Emergency vehicles have priority use of roadways.
• When venturing outside, avoid downed or dangling utility wires.
• Be mindful of downed power lines, especially when clearing trees or walking through water