Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will join Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, and partner agencies to update the community on the emergency response to Tropical Storm Nicole at a press conference at 3 p.m. today at the Orange County Emergency Operations Center, 6590 Amory Court, Winter Park, FL 32792.
Today, the city plans to activate its Emergency Operations Center to a Level 1 “full activation” for Tropical Storm Nicole at 6 p.m tonight.
Throughout the day, city departments are continuing to take precautionary measures for any potential impacts from the storm.
INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES:
CITIZEN INFORMATION LINE:
The Citizen Information Line – 407-246- HELP (4357) – will go live at 6 p.m. tonight when the city’s Emergency Operations Center is activated. Residents are encouraged to call this line to report damage, downed trees, traffic lights that are out and to get information from the city on response efforts.
PARKING GARAGE FEES WAIVED:
The city will waive parking fees for the following parking garages beginning at 12 p.m. today, Wednesday, November 9, for any resident who would like to park a car in a covered garage.
Central Boulevard Garage, 53 West Central Boulevard
Jefferson Street Garage, 62 West Jefferson Street
Library Garage, 112 East Central Boulevard
Orange County Administration Garage, 300 Liberty Avenue
This is for passenger vehicles only and height restrictions must be adhered to. No oversized vehicles, campers, boats, trailers, watercraft, etc. will be permitted to enter.
All cars should be removed by 12 p.m. Friday, November 11, dependent on weather and road conditions.
SOLID WASTE:
Solid Waste services including residential and commercial trash, yard waste and recycle pick up will be suspended tomorrow, Thursday, November 10.
Service will resume on Friday, November 11. Anything not collected will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled collection day. Residents with any remaining debris are asked to bundle and secure it as best as possible to avoid clogging storm drains and prevent flooding.
Once the storm passes, residents should take precautions as there could be hazards such as downed power lines in the yard. After the storm, residents and business should continue to bag and bundle debris and place it at the curb.
SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION:
In preparation for the storm, the city has made sand available for residents to shovel and bag. Residents can go the City’s Streets and Stormwater Division at 1010 Woods Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32805, today until 3 p.m. (weather permitting) or until supplies last to fill.
Residents can fill up 10 bags each and should bring an ID showing proof of City of Orlando residency. Bags, shovels and sand will be provided on-site.
HELPING THE HOMELESS:
Persons experiencing homelessness in Central Florida are most vulnerable to the impact of a major hurricane. The Homeless Services Network is working with the homeless shelters in our area who will add service beyond their typical capacity to serve homeless individuals who are seeking refuge during Tropical Storm Nicole.
The city’s Downtown Ambassadors and HOPE Team Outreach partners are out today on the streets providing weather information and directing people to shelters and will continue these efforts as long as it is safe to do so.
LIMIT WATER USAGE:
Water in the City’s lakes, wastewater systems and grounds are still high from Hurricane Ian. As a result, the city is encouraging residents and businesses to limit water usage before and during Tropical Storm Nicole whenever possible, including:
Limit the amount of toilet flushing.
Abstain from running dishwashers and washing machines.
Limit the amount of water used during a shower or the amount to fill the bathtub.
Turn off irrigation.
Abstain from pressure washing, car washing, or any other outdoor use of water that is not necessary.
If flooding occurs, residents should do not drive through standing water. Additionally, residents should report any displaced manhole covers to the citizen information line and not attempt to open or move them.
CITY OPERATION CLOSURES:
The City of Orlando’s non-essential offices and services, including City Hall, will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 10.
All City of Orlando Community Centers, Recreation Centers and Pools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 10.
On Wednesday, November 9, the City’s After School Program will continue to operate for youths that are currently enrolled until 5:30 p.m. at those sites. Programs will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 10.
STAY INFORMED:
For more information, suggested supplies and things to consider while preparing for a storm, visit www.orlando.gov and/or www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare.
Residents can also stay informed and get information from the City of Orlando through social media at:
City of Orlando’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cityoforlando
Spanish – www.facebook.com/ciudaddeorlando
City of Orlando’s Twitter account: @citybeautiful
Additional updates and information on the City of Orlando Emergency Operations Emergency Status will be posted on the City’s website at orlando.gov/nicole.
Original source can be found here.
