Important Things To Know As Hurricane Ian Makes Way To Florida!

by Rick · September 27, 2022

For the latest information about Hurricane Ian, please visit the City’s website

Is the City distributing sandbags?
Most water intrusion is a result of wind-driven rain and not through rising water. We recommend using plastic sheeting instead of sandbags to keep water out of your home. To prevent water intrusion, place plastic sheets over windows and doors and secure with duct tape. Leave extra room at the bottom and secure with something heavy, like cinder blocks, bags of mulch or potting soil.

Orange County is distributing unfilled bags and instructions on how to fill, store and dispose of the sandbags at the following locations:

· Barnett Park 4801 W. Colonial Drive
· Bithlo Community Park 18501 Washington Avenue
· Downey Park 10107 Flowers Ave Avenue
· Meadow Woods Park 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle
· West Orange Recreational Complex 309 Southwest West Crown Point Road

Sandbags are limited to 10 per household and will only be provided to residents of Orange County (a valid ID must be presented to County staff) and are available during normal park hours. Visit ocfl.net/storm for more information.

Are shelters available?
Shelters are managed by Orange County and when information is available, we will share it through our communications platforms.

Will garbage and recycling be picked up as scheduled?
At this time, residential and commercial trash, yard waste and recycling pick up is operating as normal.

Can I leave yard waste at the curb to be picked up?
No. The City of Orlando is asking residents to help us prevent flooding by not placing tree trimmings or any type of loose waste or yard debris at their curb. During a severe weather event, these items can clog storm drains which may result in flooding of property and/or the street.

Are downtown parking garages open for residents who want to park their cars there during the storm?
Yes.

PARKING GARAGE FEES WAIVED:
The City of Orlando will waive parking fees for the following parking garages beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, for any resident who would like to park a car in a covered garage.

Central Boulevard Garage, 53 West Central Boulevard
Jefferson Street Garage, 62 West Jefferson Street
Library Garage, 112 East Central Boulevard
Orange County Administration Garage, 300 Liberty Avenue

**This is for passenger vehicles only and height restrictions must be adhered to. No oversized vehicles, campers, boats, trailers, watercraft, etc. will be permitted to enter.**

All cars should be removed by 8 p.m. Friday, September 30, dependent on weather and road conditions.

What is the city doing with our lake levels?
City crews are lowering levels at several lakes throughout the city. The process will take approximately two days to complete and lakes will be lowered 8-12 inches depending on need.

Will you be sweeping our streets in preparation for the storm?

City crews have also been out today taking proactive measures with expanded street sweeping. This will continue throughout the week as the city continues to monitor Ian’s projected path.

Is the city working to get homeless citizens off the streets prior to the storm?

Yes. Our partners and service providers will be on the streets to assist in getting homeless citizens into shelters prior to the storm.

What is the city doing to ensure the swans at Lake Eola Park are safe during the storm?
For other storms, the swans have found a safe place at the lake on their own.

How can I stay informed?
Residents can stay informed and get information on Hurricane Ian from the City of Orlando through Social Media at: · City of Orlando’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cityoforlando o Spanish – www.facebook.com/ciudaddeorlando · City of Orlando’s Twitter account: @citybeautiful

Don’t forget, for additional updates and information on the City of Orlando Emergency Operations Emergency Status will be posted on the City’s website at: www.orlando.gov/Ian.