BEFORE THE STORM
• Consider trimming and thinning the large trees in your yard.
• Clean out your roof gutters, downspouts, street gutters, and nearby storm drains.
• Secure your windows and outside furniture, decorations, and garbage cans.
• Ensure first aid supplies, medicines, and sanitary items are fully stocked.
• Keep a supply of water and non-perishable food items on hand.
• Remember to have sufficient food and medications for your pets.
• Verify you have a non-electric can opener.
• Charge your cell phones and computers in advance of the storm.
• Locate your battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
• Have emergency cash on hand and fill your vehicle gas tank.
• Know the locations of your fire extinguishers and verify they are charged.
• If you have an emergency power source, learn how to use it properly.
• Turn off your irrigation system to avoid extra water and possible damage.
• Decide on your most secure room in the house to ride out the storm.
• If advised to evacuate, have a plan to move your family to another location.
• Pack your medical information, proof of address, and birth certificates.
• Have your home and car insurance contact information handy, if needed.
NOTE: Our Orange Tree front and rear gates automatically open when electrical power is out so that emergency vehicles can enter, and residents can exit.
DURING THE STORM
• Monitor weather updates and announcements from public safety officials.
• Stay indoors, preferably in a room with no windows.
• Keep your emergency kit and disaster supplies near you.
• In the event of power loss, turn off all major appliances.
• In the event of flooding, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
• Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps.
• Do not use a corded phone (or a cell phone if it is connected to a wall charger).
• Do not shower or bathe during the storm.
• Keep children informed and watch for signs of stress.
• Keep animals indoors in their carriers or crates.
• If your home comes apart, get in the tub or under a mattress.
AFTER THE STORM
• Stay inside until authorities say it is safe to go outside.
• Do not operate charcoal grills, propane stoves, or generators indoors.
• Report outages and downed power lines to Duke Energy (800-228-8485).
• Inspect your home for damage. Check for gas leaks.
• Contact your insurance agent. Take pictures of any damage.
• Keep a record of repair and cleaning costs.
DEBRIS CLEANUP
Please be aware that you are responsible for any debris that falls in your yard. You can arrange for private debris removal or wait for the county to pick up the debris as part of your weekly yard waste removal. Secure the debris with string or place it in garbage bags or yard waste cans. Do not put the debris in your green garbage cans or blue recycle cans.
The HOA will be responsible for debris removal in our common areas: entrance, streets, and pond. Please be aware that the HOA will pay for removal of any debris that fell in the common areas during the storm, but not any debris placed there by our residents.
This Orange County link provides information about debris pickup in gated communities: Emergency Debris Removal (orangecountyfl.net)
HOA CONTACTS
Orange Tree Office
407-351-8747
(If the office is closed, contact Urgent HOA: 407-674-5956)
Property Manager, Leland Management
Richard Rosales: 407-216-5299
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Fire Rescue
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: 407-836-4357
Orange County Emergency Management
407-836-9140
Advent Health – Palm Parkway Hospital: 407-550-0500
7823 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL 32836 (7 miles)
Duke Energy: 800-228-8485
Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): 407-423-9018
