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1. What do I need to bring to a public shelter?

• First aid kit and adequate supply of prescription medicines for extended stay
• Blankets and/or sleeping bags
• Baby food, diapers, and formula
• Warm protective clothing
• Cards, games, and books
• Identification and valuable papers
• Toiletries
• Snacks
• Battery operated radio, flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Cash or travelers checks
• If you have a living will or do not resuscitate order (DNR), bring them with you
• No alcohol, firearms, or pets (unless they are guide/help animals)

2. If I have to evacuate, what should I do with my pets?

Pets are not allowed in public shelters unless they are service animals.  If you have to leave your pets, make sure they have plenty of food and water.  The American Automobile Association (AAA) has a "pet-friendly" hotel/motel guide that is available to AAA members.

3. How do I find out if hotel rooms are available in Seminole County or Central Florida?

Call Visit Orlando at 407-363-5872 for availability, or look online or in the Yellow Pages.

4. What should I have in my home to prepare for a hurricane and/or flooding?

• Can opener, matches, canned or packaged foods, powdered milk, beverages (two week non-perishable food supply)
• Extra prescription medicine, first aid kit, baby food, diapers, formula, and portable cooler
• Water for drinking purposes (two quarts per person per day)
• Fill the bathtub and/or a clean garbage can with water for sanitary purposes
• Toiletries, eating utensils, fire extinguisher, battery operated radio and flashlights, extra batteries
• Three-quarter inch plywood to board up windows
• Lanterns and fuel, bleach (without lemon or other additives), water purification tablets (purchase at local pharmacy), mosquito repellent
• Tools, including hammer and nails, 100 feet of rope and duct tape
• Tarp, canvas or plastic, and mosquito netting
• Sleeping bags and blankets

5. What steps can I take to prepare for a severe flooding event?

1. Know the elevation of your home and surrounding area.  If you live in a flood prone area, make sure you have adequate flood insurance, which is separate from normal homeowner insurance.
2. Evacuate if so advised. Leave the area if authorities tell you severe flooding threatens the area.
3. Do not drive your vehicle into water of unknown depth.
4. Do not let children play in floodwaters.  They area often contaminated and may contain hazards such as open drains, sharp objects, even snakes.
5. After a flood, boil drinking water or use bottled water until advised otherwise by officials.

6. What is the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning?

A Hurricane Watch is issued whenever a hurricane becomes a threat to the area, and the arrival of tropical storm force winds is expected within 36 to 72 hours (39 MPH or higher).  Listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly if a warning or evacuation order is given.

A Hurricane Warning is issued when tropical storm force winds are expected within 24 to 36 hours. Precautionary actions should begin immediately.  Evacuation orders will be issued for residents in manufactured homes and special needs residents.

7. What should I do to protect my home from a hurricane?

• Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters or hurricane lamination.  Windows are broken mainly from flying debris.
• Secure outside objects that might become airborne such as garbage cans, garden tools, toys, signs, porch furniture, and other items that can become deadly missiles in hurricane winds.
• Moore your boat securely before the storm arrives or move it to a designated safe area early.
• Keep your car fueled should evacuation become necessary.
• Check battery-powered equipment and have plenty of spare batteries.
• Above all, keep tuned to local news media for the latest storm news and shelter openings.

8. When should I evacuate my home?

Only when instructed by local emergency management officials through local media sources.

The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management recommends that mobile home residents and students in portable classrooms evacuate during a tornado watch.

9. What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?

A Tornado Watch is given when weather conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes, i.e., during severe thunder storms. During a Tornado Watch, keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to take shelter immediately if conditions worsen.

A Tornado Warning is given when a tornado funnel is sighted or indicated by radar. You should take shelter immediately. Because tornadoes can form and move quickly, there may not be time for a warning, so it is important to stay alert during severe storms.

10. What should I do to prepare for a tornado?

• If your area is under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately and monitor this weather situation.
• Avoid windows. Flying glass can injure or kill. Don't open windows. Allowing strong winds in can do damage or cause injury.
• The safest place in the home is the interior part of the basement. Where there is no basement, go to an inside room on the lowest floor, like a closet, hallway, or bathroom with no windows. For added protection, get under something strong. Above all, protect your head.
• Do not stay in a mobile home during a tornado. Even homes with a secure tie-down system cannot withstand the force of tornado winds.
• If on the road, get out of the vehicle. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. Seek shelter in a ditch or ravine. Lie flat and put your arms over your head. Do not get under a vehicle.
• If caught outside, get in a ditch, gully, or low spot on the ground. Protect your head and body. Do not get under trees or a vehicle.

11. Why do I need a weather alert radio and what does it do?

The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management endorses the use of weather alert radios as the primary means to notify the public about severe weather.

Weather alert radios can alert you 24 hours a day in your home, school, or office, about severe weather conditions or other threats to public safety, specifically in the middle of the night when you are not monitoring TV or radio.

Weather alert radios vary in cost (with basic, hand-crank models beginning around $15) and are available at most retail electronic stores.