Tropical storms and hurricanes are common in Florida and begins June 1 and ends November 30.
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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.
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
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74 - 95 mph
Category 2
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96 - 110 mph
Category 3
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111 - 129 mph
Category 4
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130 - 156 mph
Category 5
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157 mph & Up
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.
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
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?
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.
Local Businesses that have the items you need
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Target
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Lowe's
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Petsmart
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Staples​
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergencies call 911
Non-Emergency Information
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Bizzy Air HVAC
407-339-6342
Social Service and Mental Health
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For Utility Outages:
Duke Energy: 1-800-228-8485
Apopka Gas emergency: 1-800-542-3344
Orange County Utilities: 407-836-5515
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FEMA: 1-800-621-3362
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Traffic: 511