DOCUMENTS
An Executive Order has been signed declaring a State of Emergency for certain counties in the State of Florida, including Seminole County.
Last Updated: October 18, 2024 3:09pm
CHAINSAW SAFETY
If you're clearing debris after the storm, remember these chainsaw safety tips from the Seminole County Fire Department:
- If you have never used a chainsaw before, now is not the time to learn. Find someone with experience or call a tree service company.
- Always operate and maintain your chainsaw according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Wear protective equipment like eye and ear protection, gloves, hard hats, and cut-resistant legwear.
- Choose the proper chainsaw to match the job.
- Only refuel while the chainsaw is off and on the ground.
- Always cut at waist level or below.
- Bystanders should remain at least 30 feet back from anyone operating a chainsaw.
If there is an injury, call 911 immediately.
RESOURCES
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 9:48am
CLOSURES
Seminole County Government
- Parks, Trails, and Recreation:
- Trails: All trails and trailheads are open except the St. Johns Trailhead of the Flagler Trail.
- Boat Ramps: ALL County boat ramps remain closed.
- Wilderness Areas still closed:
- Black Bear Wilderness Area
- Black Hammock Wilderness Area
- Lake Jesup Wilderness Area
- Unstaffed Park still closed:
- Overlook Park
Last Updated: October 18, 2024 3:00pm
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
Residents are encouraged to report property damage that occurs during hurricanes.
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Report damage using Damage Assessment Form
Damage assessment forms are critical for FEMA purposes. They help officials understand the severity and magnitude of damage to property, get assistance, and direct building inspectors to the appropriate areas.
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 10:13am
WEEKEND COLLECTIONS, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19:
YARD WASTE: Due to the recent back-to-back hurricanes, some residents may have experienced missed yard waste collection over the last few weeks. Crews will be working this weekend on a special Saturday pick-up to collect BAGGED and BINNED yard waste. Our teams will make every effort to service as many homes as possible on Saturday. If your home is not serviced, please be patient and haulers will collect it on the next regular yard waste day.
STORM DEBRIS: Contracted storm debris haulers in grapple trucks are also collecting through the weekend for larger, non-containerized storm debris piles. Neighborhood schedules are not available for debris pile collection.
DEBRIS UPDATES
Please prepare your curbside debris by Monday, October 21 at the latest. Large amounts of debris do not need to be binned, bagged, or bundled like normal yard waste. Pile it at the curbside.
CURBSIDE GUIDELINES:
- Please separate vegetative disaster debris (branches, tree trunks, limbs, etc.) and construction and demolition disaster debris (building materials, large items) into two distinct piles at the curb. These should be items that were lost as a result of the hurricane.
- Ensure that the piles are kept off streets, sidewalks, and storm drains, and are positioned away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, or other structures.
- If possible, cut branches and logs into 4-foot sections.
- Try and combine your pile with your neighbor’s to create larger piles and expedite collection.
- Avoid using plastic bags for vegetative debris. Pile your debris. You may also place in bins, paper bags, or bundles.
SCHEDULE:
- Prepare your curbside debris by Monday, October 21 at the latest.
- Please be patient - a schedule is not available for contracted debris haulers (trucks with grapples/claws to pick up piles). Once they begin, haulers will collect as much as possible during working hours.
If you prefer, you may bring it to the Landfill (1930 E Osceola Rd, Geneva). Unincorporated Seminole County residents may drop off at no charge.
For information about regular Solid Waste services, including trash/recycling collection and yard waste, click here.
Last Updated: October 18, 2024 10:17am
FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
A pop-up registration site will be set up at the Geneva Rural Heritage Center over the weekend to help residents register for individual assistance through FEMA. Those who have already registered can also get help with making minor updates to their applications.
Geneva Rural Heritage Center
101 E Main Street, Geneva
Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
FEMA has declared Seminole County as a designated disaster area following Hurricane Milton. Residents can apply NOW for Individual Assistance through FEMA.
For more information or to start the application, go to disasterassistance.gov
Call the FEMA Helpline, toll-free at 1-800-621-3362, 7a.m.–10p.m., 7 days a week.
FEMA Resources
- Mental Health Resources
- Disaster Survivor's Checklist
- Lista de Cotejo Para Sobrevivientes de Desastres
BLUE ROOF PROGRAM
Seminole County residents can register for the Army Corps of Engineers Blue Roof Program. Eligible individuals can apply through Tuesday, November 5. The Blue Roof Program is fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover the damaged roof until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. Learn more or apply at blueroof.gov.
IRS RELIEF
The IRS is providing relief for individuals who suffered damage or loss during Hurricane Milton. Learn more or apply here.
SBA ASSISTANCE
Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance is available. Learn more about eligibility and apply for an SBA disaster loan at sba.gov.
D-SNAP ASSISTANCE
SNAP recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Milton can apply for food replacement at myflfamilies.com/milton.
Last Updated: October 18, 2024 11:00am
FLOODING SAFETY
- Turn Around, Don't Drown: Do not drive or walk through flood water. Vehicles will not protect you. They can be swept away or may stall.
- Keep Out of Flood Water: It can be contaminated with waste or chemicals that can cause health hazards. Dangerous objects and debris or animals (rodents, snakes) could also be hidden in the water. Do not play or float in flood water. Plus, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet.
- Prevent Electrical Hazards: Turn off electrical power, gas, and propane. NEVER touch a fallen power line. If you believe someone has been electrocuted, call 911.
- No Wake: Motorists should not drive through water fast enough to create wake. Please drive slowly. Motorized boats are not safe to operate on roadways. If you need assistance to pass through flooded areas, first responders stand ready to assist with appropriate vehicles.
RESOURCES
- Little Wekiva River near Altamonte Springs
- St. Johns River at Lake Monroe (Sanford)
- Little Econ River near Oviedo
- Residents can visit msc.fema.gov to find out if their home is in a flood zone.
HOW TO READ HYDROGRAPHS
Hydrographs show how the river levels have changed over time at a specific location. Check the time along the bottom to see the current river level and predicted levels.
LEVELS:
- Action Stage: Time to prepare
- Minor Flooding: Minimal property damage
- Moderate Flooding: Some property damage and evacuations
- Major Flooding: Damage to structures and roads, significant evacuations
- Record Flooding: The highest level on record
Last Updated: October 13, 2024 10:53am
GENERATOR SAFETY
Generators produce carbon monoxide when used indoors or in poorly ventilated areas because they burn fuel without enough fresh air. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is highly poisonous. Follow these guidelines:
- NEVER use a generator indoors, including homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even those with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home.
- ALWAYS locate the unit at least 20 feet from your residence outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to flow indoors. Follow the generator instructions.
- Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent, or fireplace.
- If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.
- If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.
- Have enough fuel on hand and ensure the stored fuel is not too old or degraded.
- Test your generator for an extended period of time to make sure it works or have a professional inspect it.
RESOURCES
Video: Generator Safety (English)
Video: Seguridad con el uso de Generadores (Español)
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 9:54am
UNMET NEEDS
An unmet need is a gap between verified disaster-caused damages and obtainable aid (such as insurance assistance, Federal and State assistance, and personal resources). Non-government agencies and volunteers can assist those incapable of making homes livable or passible with muck out, dry wall repair/replace, tarp roof, debris removal, fence repair, wheelchair ramp repair, basic other home repairs, minor roof repair, and similar projects.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Eligible individuals who may receive assistance with these types of projects include residents of Seminole County with special needs, disabilities, seniors, and low- to fixed-income households.
MAKE A REQUEST
Call the Office of Emergency Management at 407-665-5102 or the Citizens Information Hotline at 407-665-0000 to register the unmet need.
Last Updated: October 15, 2024 10:26am
MOSQUITO CONTROL
Mosquito populations can multiply in standing waters from flooding.
For a mosquito spray request, please visit: www.seminolecountyfl.gov/mosquito
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 10:15am
Residents are encouraged to keep their utility account number and outage reporting numbers on hand to expedite reporting an outage during and following a storm. Your power service providers are responding to Hurricane Milton and its impacts. Report power outages directly to your service provider.
DUKE ENERGY
Customers who experience an outage can report it by:
- Phone: Text OUT to 57801 or call 800-228-8485
- Online: Report Outage
- Duke Energy app: Get the Duke Energy app
- Visit Duke Energy’s Storm Center page for more resources.
FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT (FPL)
Customers who experience an outage can report it by:
- Phone: Call 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)
- Online: Report Outage
- Visit FPL’s Storm Center page for more resources.
SPECTRUM ENTERPRISE
Customers who experience an outage can report it by:
- Phone: Call 1-888-812-2591
- Online: Spectrum
TECO/PEOPLES GAS
- If you suspect a natural gas leak, immediately move to safety – 300 feet or about the length of a football field – and call 911 then call 877-TECO-PGS (877-832-6747)
- Visit the Teco/Peoples Gas Storm Safety page for more resources.
DURING AND AFTER THE STORM
- If you anticipate an extended outage, consider moving yourself and your family – especially those with special needs – to an alternative location. Consider checking on others who may benefit from your assistance.
- Consider all downed power lines and anything touching them energized and DANGEROUS! Do not get near them and report the problem to your electric utility. Do not touch anything that is on or near a power line (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders). Keep children and pets away from areas where lines may have fallen.
- Don't open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary. Opening these appliances will allow food to thaw more quickly.
- During severe weather or power outages, turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. After the power is restored, to help avoid damage, wait five to 10 minutes before turning them back on.
- If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
FOOD SAFETY AFTER A POWER OUTAGE
When a storm causes a power outage, make sure your food is still safe to eat.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- After 4 hours without power, throw out refrigerated meat, dairy, and leftovers. Hard cheeses, uncut fruits & veggies, and non-creamy sauces like ketchup are OK to keep, but when in doubt, throw it out!
- A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full). Refreeze or cook frozen food only if it still has ice crystals on it or remains at 40°F or below.
- Throw out anything with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Never taste food to determine if it is safe to eat.
MEDICATION/INSULIN SAFETY
- Keep insulin as cool as possible, but DO NOT FREEZE it. Keep out of direct heat & sunlight. Insulin in opened or unopened vials that have been stored at room temperature (59° F-86° F) can be used for up to 4 weeks.
- If insulin that has been stored above 86° F has to be used, monitor your blood sugar regularly.
- Replace all refrigerated drugs as soon as possible.
- Consult your pharmacist or doctor with questions about medication storage and maintaining a supply during a prolonged outage.
Find updated hurricane info at PrepareSeminole.org.
ASL/Deaf: - Reporting Power Outages Video
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 9:55am
SANDBAG LOCATIONS
Old Geneva Volunteer Fire Station
217 2nd Street, Geneva
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Unstaffed
Lake Monroe Wayside Park
4150 US 17-92, Sanford
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Unstaffed
Sylvan Lake Park
845 Lake Markham Road, Sanford
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Unstaffed
All other County sandbag locations are closed.
SANDBAG DISPOSAL: Do not put filled sandbags on the curbside. They will not be picked up. If dry, consider keeping them through the end of Hurricane Season (November 30). They may be brought to the Landfill at the end of hurricane season.
MORE INFORMATION:
VIDEO: Proper Sandbag Use
Last Updated: October 13, 2024 8:55am
STAY INFORMED
- EMERGENCY ALERTS: Register for emergency alerts through AlertSeminole and get alerts via text, email, or voice call about weather events, evacuations, and more.
- GENERAL TEXT ALERTS: Text "Storm2024" to 888-777 for storm-specific information.
- PHONE: Call the Seminole County Citizens Information Line at (407) 665-0000 with storm-related questions. Hablamos español.
- SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Seminole County on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and Nextdoor.
- TV: Watch Seminole Government Television (SGTV) at seminolecountyfl.gov/SGTV, on Spectrum Cable Channel 498, or on YouTube.
- EMAIL NEWSLETTER: Subscribe to the Seminole County Newsletter for email updates.
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 10:05am