Hurricane Milton | Sanford, FL (2024)

Evacuations and Emergency Shelters

Updated: 10/8/24 5:00 PM

The following Seminole County shelters open Wednesday, October 9, at 8:00 a.m.

Pet friendly shelters are noted below. Not all shelters accept animals. Please ensure the shelter you use is Pet Friendly before bringing along animals. All animals need to be in carriers and we ask that you please provide your own crate/carrier.

GENERAL POPULATION:

Lyman High School – 865 S Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood *Pet-Friendly*

Crystal Lake Elementary School – 231 Rinehart Rd, Lake Mary,

Lawton Chiles Middle School – 1240 Sanctuary Dr, Oviedo

Midway Elementary School – 2368 Brisson Ave, Sanford

Sandbags

Updated: 10/8/24 5:45 PM

Sandbag Operations for the City of Sanford are closed.

The City of Sanford is diligently preparing its facilities, parks and neighborhood in anticipation of Hurricane Milton.

Stay Informed

Updated 10/8 11:30 AM

The City will distribute timely updates. We encourage you to monitor our social media channels and consider downloading our mobile app, Sanford Connects to keep up-to-date with the most recent information.

1. The City of Sanford | Facebook | X FKA Twitter | Instagram | Nextdoor
2. City of Sanford’s Citizen Information Line at 407.562.2778. This provides pre-recorded, storm-related information.
3. City of Sanford Police Department | Facebook | X FKA Twitter | Instagram |
4. City of Sanford Fire Department | Facebook
5. Seminole County | Facebook | X FKA Twitter | Instagram | Nextdoor
6. Residents are also encouraged to register for emergency alerts through Alert Seminole – a free emergency electronic-notification system.
7. NOAA Weather Radios – Station 012117 [Note: Seminole County is serviced by two transmitters: Orlando (162.475mhz) and Daytona Beach (162.400mhz). If your radio does not receive a clear signal, change to the other transmitter for better reception. Service reception to a county depends on a reliable signal, which typically extends in about a 40 mile radius from the transmitter.]
8. The National Water Prediction Service

Additional Info:

Amtrak will operate a modified schedule for the safety of their customers and employees.
SunRail service will be suspended Tuesday, October 8 and expected to remain closed until Thursday, October 10.
Lynx will operate regular bus, LYMMO, NeighborLink and Road Rangers service on Tuesday. ACCESS LYNX will only be providing life sustaining medical trips starting Tuesday, October 8, 2024. If sustained winds reach 35 mph from Hurricane Milton, the LYNX transit system will shut down temporarily for safety reasons. Lynx Customer Service’s telephone number is 407.841.LYNX (5969).
Orlando Sanford International Airport currently remains operational and is monitoring Hurricane Milton. Allegiant flights expect to begin receiving disruptions beginning Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Passengers on affected flights will received an email notification from Allegiant. Customers may also call 407.505.8888 for assistance, but your patience is appreciated with the expected, long hold times. For the most up-to-date information, please visit their Flight Status Page.
Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) are closed on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10. On Thursday, a determination will be made if schools will be able to reopen on Friday, October 11^th.
Seminole State College of Florida has canceled all classes, events and College operations from NOON on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 with plans to resume operations at 6 AM on Saturday, October 12^th.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is closed from Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10, 2024

Preparation

10/7/2024 6 PM Update – Streets and Stormwater crews continue to clean inlet grates and check stormwater pipes and ditches for any possible issues. The street sweepers are covering as much area as possible to clear any debris or leaves that are in the curb & gutters.

To help the City of Sanford maintain a clear and efficient stormwater system, please keep any debris out of the street. Debris can clog the stormwater system, leading to potential flooding and other issues. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in ensuring our community remains safe and clean.

Street sweepers are currently working to clear streets of leaves and debris.
City crews are currently cleaning out inlets and grates.
City crews are reviewing our retention facilities to see if we need to pump any water levels down to increase available capacity.
The sanitary sewer system including the downtown vacuum sewer system is being monitored for levels.
Manhole covers are being checked.
Pumps and Equipment are being prepared.
The wastewater treatment plant storage pond levels are being lowered.
Generators are being prepared and filled.

Utilities

Updated 10/8/2024 10 AM

Storm preparation is continuing and being completed in Utilities. After Hours Service will be activated at noon today for customer inquiries until City Hall is reopened, Utilities Customer Service can be reached at 407.688.5100.

The City of Sanford Utility Department is prepared for hurricane activity and we will do our best to provide uninterrupted water and sewer service through any storms that impact the area. However, during any storm event please monitor the news and the City’s website periodically, as power outages and uprooted trees have the potential to cause interruptions in water service which may result in precautionary boil water notices. Also, widespread power outages may limit our ability to pump sewage, if so we may ask customers to limit toilet flushing and other activities that contribute to sewer flows.

Garbage / Recycle / Yard Waste

Updated 10/7/24 11:15 AM

Solid Waste / Recycle / Yard Waste Update: All solid waste and recyclables will be collected today, Tuesday, October 10, 2024 as scheduled. There will be NO COLLECTION SERVICES on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 or Thursday, October 10, 2024. We anticipate resuming normal operations on Friday, October 11, 2024, dependent upon the weather. Updates will follow as received.

Yard Waste:Residents should secure their yard waste or consider taking it directly to the Seminole County Landfill, located at 1930 East Osceola Road, Geneva. All tipping fees will be waived at the Landfill. Fees will still apply for yard waste drop-off at the Central Transfer Station, located at 1950 State Road 419, Longwood. The Seminole County Landfill and Central Transfer Station are open today, Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.. For disposal fees or further disposal information, please contact Seminole County at 407.665.2260.

City Facility Closures

Updated 10/8/24 6:00 PM

All City Facilities, Parks, Pavilions, Riverwalk Sanford Marina, Programs and Cemetery are closed October 9th and October 10th.

Updated 10/8 6:00 PM

After School Programming, at the Jeff Triplett Community Center and the Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center, is cancelled and will resume in conjunction with Seminole County Public Schools resuming classes.

All outdoor recreation games, practices, activities are cancelled until damage and safety assessments are completed with hopes of resuming on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Project Sanford’s Alive After 5 event scheduled on Thursday, October 10, 2024 will be rescheduled to Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Central Florida Soap Box Derby Rally, scheduled for this weekend, Saturday, October 12, 2024 and Sunday, October 13, 2024, have been cancelled.

Due to the projected amount of storm debris from Hurricane Milton and the extensive cleanup efforts involved, the scheduled Community Clean Up Day’s for October 2024 have been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

Power / Utility Outages

Consider all downed power lines and anything touching them energized and DANGEROUS! Do not go near them and report the problem to your utility provider or call 911. Report power outages directly to your service provider. If you come up to an intersection where the power is out, consider the intersection as four-way stop.

Duke Energy: If you see a fallen power line or safety hazard involving our equipment, call Duke Energy at 800.769.3766 or call 911 immediately. Do not touch a power line or anything in contact with it, and keep others away until help arrives. To report an outage 1) Text “OUT” to 57801; 2) call 800.228.8485; or 3) contact them on-line here. Visit Duke Energy’sStorm Center page for more resources and download their mobile app.
Florida Power and Light (FPL): Call 1-866-263-9186 immediately to report a dangerous condition such as a downed power line.To report an outage 1) call 800.468.8243 or 2) contact them online here. Visit FPL’s Storm Center pagefor more resources.
Spectrum Enterprise: Report an outage by calling 888.812.2591 or online at 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 877.832.6747. Visit theTeco/Peoples Gas Storm Safetypage for more resources.

Generator Safety

Updated 10/8 12:30 PM

The City of Sanford Fire Department reminds residents to never use generators 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 carbon monoxide (CO) build-up in the home. Improper use of a generator can be extremely dangerous as carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is highly poisonous. Do not use a generator indoors or within 20 feet of your home or other structures.

The Florida Department of Health recommends the following precautions:

- - Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent, or fireplace.
  - 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 toflow indoors. Followthegenerator instructions.
  - REMEMBER that you cannot see or smell CO. Portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly.
  - 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.

Flooding Safety

Updated 10/8 10:30 AM

The Parks & Recreation Department asks everyone to be careful during the clean up and do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses. This water also can contain debris, chemicals, waste, and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water. Our Parks usually have a lot of trees and may have broken branches, or the tree may be leaning and be a danger to the public. Staff will investigate all of our sites to ensure that they are safe before opening up. Please be patient and allow us to complete our tasks making these areas safe and available for your use.

Updated 10/7 11 AM

- - 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.

Debris Removal

This is for debris removal after the storm has passed.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
Listen for emergency information and alerts.
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.

Prepare NOW

Know your area’s risk of hurricanes.
Sign up forAlert Seminole. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.

When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving

Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.

When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving

Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

When a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving

If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Survive DURING

If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

Be Safe AFTER

Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

Hurricane Preparedness For Your Yard

Is your yard ready for hurricane season?
When it comes to the cutting of vegetation, garbage and storm debris, there are steps that should be taken before, during and after a storm.

Pre Hurricane Season Maintenance

All major cutting of vegetation should be completed long before June 1, the beginning of hurricane season. The City of Sanford arranges for removal of yard debris from routine yard maintenance weekly throughout the year. If you are having trees removed or doing any other major cutting, be sure to have your contractor include the price of debris removal as part of their service.

Routine Yard Waste Collection

Once a Storm has been Named

Do not cut down trees or do major yard work.
Do not begin construction projects that produce debris.
Mass cutting places a tremendous burden on the collection process and there is not enough equipment or manpower to handle the additional material before a storm makes landfall. You could not only put yourself at risk but your neighbors as well.

After the Storm

Keep all household garbage, recycling, vegetation and storm debris separate. This is extremely important!
Place household garbage in CLEAR plastic bags to expedite wet waste removal.
Be patient!
Don’t call and ask that trucks be pulled from scheduled routes to pick up your own debris first. Deviation from carefully planned routes causes delays in the entire process.