Governor Rick Scott wants everyone to text 888777 and type FLPREPARES for emergency information on Hurricane Matthew. Orange County Emergency Management’s latest update:
UPDATE October 7, 2016 1:30 p.m.
Orange County Government currently has teams in the field to assess the overnight impact of Hurricane Matthew.
As of, 1 p.m., 65,355 residents are without power. Duke Energy and OUC are working to restore service as soon and safely as possible. Citizens using generators should use extreme caution. Never operate generators inside a building or garage. Visit Duke Energy or OUC for more information.
More than 1,400 citizens took refuge in Orange County shelters, including 80 individuals with special needs.
The mandatory curfew for Orange County will be lifted at 2 p.m.; however, citizens should remain vigilant. Significant hazards, including downed power lines, trees or other debris may not have been cleared. While Public Works reports that the majority of traffic signals in Orange County are operational, however, extreme caution should be exercised. Residents are asked to report concerns to 3-1-1.
Please note that the curfew does exempt travel to and from places of employment. Other exemptions include:
All pedestrian and vehicular movement, standing and parking, except for individuals commuting to and from places of employment, the provision of fire, police, emergency and hospital services, medical patients, utility emergency repairs and emergency calls by physicians within the above curfew areas, are prohibited during curfew hours.
“I’m very glad to see the number of citizens who took this seriously and evacuated,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “I’m also proud of the community for honoring the curfew. There are still a lot of reasons to stay off the road. It’s imperative that first responders and emergency personnel can dedicate full attention to emergency response and restoration for our neighbors.”
Orange County’s 3-1-1 has been overloaded with calls. In order to best serve citizens, Orange County is encouraging residents to download the 3-1-1 app.
For Hurricane Matthew updates, visit www.ocfl.net/Matthew
SHELTERS:
As of 6 p.m. on 10/6/2016, there were 550 citizens in Orange County shelters. One shelter, Bithlo Park, was at capacity. Orange County’s other five other shelters – Odyssey Middle School, Apopka High School, Corner Lake Middle, Timber Creek High School and Barnett Park had availability.
Shelters Open at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6.
| Shelter Name | Address | Staffed By | Type of Shelter |
| Apopka High | 555 Martin St, Apopka, FL 32712 | Orange County | General Population |
| Corner Lake Middle | 1700 Chuluota Rd, Orlando, FL 32820 | Red Cross | General Population |
| Timber Creek High School | 1001 Avalon Park S Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828 | Orange County | General Population |
| Odyssey Middle School | 9290 Lee Vista Blvd, Orlando, FL 32829 | Orange County | General Population |
| Bithlo Community Park | 18501 Washington Ave, Orlando, FL 32820 | Red Cross/Orange County | General Population /Pet Friendly |
| Barnett Park | 4801 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808 | Red Cross/Orange County | General Population /Pet Friendly |
For special needs shelter, contact 407-836-9319
Please note: shelters will not be able to accommodate early arrivals.
What to Bring to a Shelter:
- Water and food
- Clothing and bedding
- Personal items, medication
- First-aid supplies
- Important papers
- Miscellaneous items like games, toys, battery-powered radios, flashlights and batteries
When sustained winds reach 50+ mph or wind gusts reach 65+ mph, the operations division chief may enact a No Response Policy. High winds severely limit response time. Orange County Fire Rescue will make every effort to respond to a call, but will make the best judgment to preserve life and safety of all involved.
Today, Orange County Fire Rescue has reached more than 9,200 manufactured home community members. A mandatory evacuation has been issued for mobile homes and should be followed for the safety and security of all.
Airlines:
All commercial airlines at Orlando International Airport will stop flying as of 8 p.m. today, Oct. 6 until further notice. ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS NOT CLOSED. However, passenger flights will be suspended until the weather conditions warrant and the airlines determine it is safe to fly.
Hotel and Lodging:
Individuals may call 407-354-5555 if they need assistance identifying rooms to meet their family’s needs.
Ongoing:
- For Hurricane Matthew updates, visit www.ocfl.net/Matthew. For general storm updates, visit www.ocfl.net/storm. Orange County’s 3-1-1 has been overloaded with calls. In order to best serve citizens, Orange County is encouraging residents to download the 3-1-1 app: http://www.ocfl.net/Home/NewslettersAlerts/OCFL311.aspx
- Orange County Public Works, Stormwater Management Division is proactively checking drainage infrastructure to include stormwater drains, canals and ponds as well as other sites in anticipation of potential heavy rainfall in Orange County. In addition equipment to remove debris and tree limbs is being inventoried and tested.
