Hurricane Helene – Update #1

Hurricane Helene - Update #1

Last updated on September 25, 2024

September 25, 2024 - ORLANDO, FL - The City of Orlando's Emergency Operations Center is actively monitoring Hurricane Helene and will partially activate at a Level II at 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 26.

Although its path and the potential impacts to the Orlando area remain uncertain, city departments are currently taking all of the necessary precautions in anticipation of heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds. The city encourages residents, visitors and businesses to prepare now, including assembling disaster kits, stocking up on supplies and reviewing disaster plans.

"With the heavy rains we've experienced over the last few weeks, I want to encourage everyone to closely monitor this storm and prepare yourselves, your family and your employees for potential impacts," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "It's important to also check in on your neighbors. Protecting our residents and businesses, preventing loss of life and minimizing damage is our top priority and we are taking this storm seriously."

Residents should prepare an emergency kit, including water (one gallon of water per person per day), food (a seven-day supply), medication, battery-powered radio, batteries and any special items needed like medications. Items that would most likely be needed during an evacuation should be kept in an easy-to carry container.

CITY OPERATION CLOSURES:
The City of Orlando's non-essential offices and services, including City Hall, will be closed Thursday, September 26. This includes the following facilities:

• All City of Orlando Neighborhood Centers and pools.
• Today the City's After School Program will continue to operate for young residents that are currently enrolled until 6 p.m. at those sites. After School Program sites will remain open on a limited basis for currently enrolled students until noon on Thursday, September 26.
• Harry P. Leu Gardens.

INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES:
SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION:
In preparation for the storm, city residents can pick up sandbags at any of the self-serve Orange County park's six locations until 7 p.m. today, weather permitting. Click herefor Orange County's list of locations and instructions.

SOLID WASTE:
At this time, residential and commercial trash, yard waste and recycle pick up is expected to operate normally on Thursday, September 26, unless Orange County determines it will close the landfill.

The city is asking residents to help prevent flooding by not placing tree trimmings or any type of loose waste or yard debris at their curb, in the roadways, on or near storm drains and secure it as best as possible.

CITY OPERATIONS UPDATE:
LAKE LEVELS:
The City of Orlando continues to monitor lake levels and will be pulling weir boards, as needed, to prevent flooding. If you experience flooding, please visit orlando.gov/flood, email [email protected] or call 407.246.2238.

STREET SWEEPING:
Street sweeping operations continue as normal with an additional focus on areas more prone to blocked inlets to help keep them clear. Crews will also be checking inlets, lake outfalls, drainage well intakes and inspecting construction sites to ensure there are no blockages.

TRANSPORTATION:
Due to anticipated weather conditions, all scooters and bikes currently parked in the city right-of-way will be removed. City parking garages currently remain open.

STAY INFORMED:
Residents can also stay informed and get information from the City of Orlando through social media at:

• City of Orlando's Facebook page: facebook.com/cityoforlando
• Spanish - facebook.com/ciudaddeorlando
• City of Orlando's Instagram: instagram.com/thecitybeautiful
• City of Orlando's X (formally Twitter) account: @citybeautiful

For more information, suggested supplies and things to consider while preparing for a storm, visit orlando.gov/storm.

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