Hurricane Guide | Winter Garden

Tropical storms and hurricanes are common in Florida and begins June 1 and ends November 30.

These storms impacting the Winter Garden area directly are low, but it is smart to be prepared as storms can change quickly and bring hazards in many forms. Staying up to date and informed is critical in making decisions to protect your family and home.

Pick a news station that you find most reliable to provide you information to make smart decisions. You can also download the OCFL Alert app to be notified on your mobile.

OCFL Alert App

TYPES OF STORMS

Although Winter Garden is not along the coast and not in any major evacuation zones, check your home location to see if you are susceptible to flooding. If you plan to evacuate, know what city you are going to and where you will be staying.

Know the difference between depressions, storms, and hurricanes.

Tropical Depression

Maximum sustained winds below 39 mph

Tropical Storm

Maximum sustained winds below 73 mph

Hurricane

Sustained winds above 75 mph

Category 1

74 - 95 mph

Category 2

96 - 110 mph

Category 3

111 - 129 mph

Category 4

130 - 156 mph

Category 5

157 mph & Up

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Hurricane Safety Procedures

Early preparations and understanding risks are key to being hurricane resilient. It’s easy to push off getting prepared during the summer months when you’re enjoying the beach. But don’t wait!

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Basic Supply List

This list is based off FEMA’s Emergency Supply List. Be Prepared for any situation.

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Emergency Debris Removal

Orange County has developed a plan to assist private/gated communities where debris removal is necessary following a storm.

The County may not remove vegetative debris from private/gated communities because they are considered private property.

Orange County’s plan consists of four options for debris removal in private/gated communities which need assistance.

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Free Sandbag Pick Up For Winter Garden Residents

The City will have free, ready-made sandbags in limited quantities available for easy pick up exclusively for Winter Garden residents. Please see details below.

Maximum number of bags per household: 10

Cost: Free
This is a drive-up location and preassembled bags will be placed in resident’s vehicle.

For further information, call 407.656.4111

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Shelters

Orange County provides hurricane and storm shelters as part of its comprehensive response to help individuals, families and communities respond to and recover from disasters.

For registration and information on Special Needs Shelters, call 311.

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Special Preperation

Leaving home on a moment’s notice can be stressful for anyone. Imagine the confusion and chaos an elderly friend or special needs neighbor might experience during a weather emergency or evacuation.

Would they understand what was happening?

Remember to pack medication, eyeglasses, hearing aids or other important supplies? Would they know who to call for help?

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Pet Friendly Hotels

Search for hotels that are pet friendly and will provide an amazing experience for you and your pets.

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Prepare Your Pets

Pets are important to your family, they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan.

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Storm Recovery

Orange County Government is here to ensure you have the information and resources you need before, during and after any severe tropical system affects our community.

Learn more about federal and local disaster recovery resources for residents in need of assistance in the aftermath of any storm.