Maitland City Talk

As storm season approaches, it’s time to prepare

Hurricane Preparedness Week, presented by the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, is this week. Review the narrative below for tips you can apply to your preparedness plan. June 1 is the hurricane season opener and it’s around the corner.

Exterior

It is very important to keep any potentially airborne items during a storm event inside your home or tied down. Items such as cans, lawn furniture, swing sets, or yard waste like tree branches should be secured. If you live in an apartment or condo, remove balcony furniture and other items.

You may want to have any large trees on your property inspected by a reputable tree service. Tree service employees are familiar with the signs of weakness in trees such as rotten or weak limbs. They also can prune the trees of any overgrowth in a tree canopy.

Interior

If you are not sure if your garage door will stand up to hurricane force winds, you can add some stability to it by simply backing your car up tight against the door in an emergency. Similarly, door reinforcement kits are available for purchase.

The next most vulnerable openings in a house, apartment, or condo are the windows. Windows should be covered with hurricane shutters or plywood.

Additionally, identify an interior area without a window within your home that could function as a shelter for you and your family.

Along with preparing your home for storms, you should remember to prepare your family or business through education and development of an emergency plan. Such a plan is very essential and should include procedures for personal or business disaster recovery. Remember to include any pets in your plan. Planning resources are available at floridadisaster.org/index.asp, ready.gov/are-you-ready-guide, and fema.gov.

Your Maitland Fire Rescue Department realizes such planning may seem daunting at first and stand ready to provide guidance and assistance as needed at 407-539-6226.

Preparedness pack checklist:

Hurricane preparedness experts say that there should be enough food, water, and supplies to last each member of the household for roughly 72 hours. Don’t forget to include your pet’s needs in your pack. Suggested items include: batteries, blankets, candles, can opener, duct tape, garbage bags, flashlights, non-perishable food, waterproof matches, pet items, hand-crank radio, tarps, water, and wipes.

Emergency contact phone numbers

American Red Cross: 407-894-4141

Animal Services (Orange County): 407-254-9140

Bright House Networks: 407-291-2500

Building Permits (Maitland): 407-539-6248

Centers for Disease Control: 404-639-3311

CenturyLink Residential Services: 800-339-1811

Duke Energy: 800-228-8485

FEMA: 800-621-FEMA

Fire Rescue (Maitland/non-emergency): 407-539-6229

Health Department (Orange County): 407-836-2600

Hurricane Help Line: 800-22-STORM

Maitland Utilities: 407-539-6200

National Weather Service: 813-645-2323

Sheriff’s Office (Orange County): 407-836-4357

Special Needs Registration (Maitland): 407-539-6229

Solid Waste Management (Maitland): 407-539-6278

OCPS Emergency Info: 407-318-3000

Orange County Government Services: 311