Hurricane Preparedness

Please call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies requiring law enforcement presence, please dial the 24-hour non emergency number 407-905-6333.

Consider downloading the Town’s mobile app for real-time alerts.

TBD if this class will be rescheduled for 11/18, or if classes will simply just resume in 2023.

Windermere Recreation Center will remain closed while it serves as a debris collection site. This is the only state-certified site for debris collection in Windermere.

The Town will follow Orange County’s lead regarding reopening of boat ramps. Ramps will remain closed while the County assesses lake levels, the potential for contamination, displaced/disoriented wildlife, and submerged structures. Want to know the status of the lakes? Contact Orange County directly by calling 311 or emailing lakes@ocfl.net.

Per WPD, Town residents are advised to remain indoors throughout the duration of Tropical Storm Nicole on Thursday, November 10. Residents should remain inside after the storm has passed until the all-clear has been given.

Winds, rain, and downed trees are not the only hazards during a hurricane. Downed power lines, broken glass, gas leaks, and unstable road surfaces pose a danger. Venturing out onto the roads via foot, vehicle, or golf cart prior to being told it is safe to do so also hinders Town Staff and their contractors who are working diligently to clear blocked roads, repair washed out roads, and restore power.

Waste Pro will haul bagged, bundled, or contained yard debris on the regularly-scheduled yard waste pick up days (Wednesdays).

Improperly secured debris will not be collected. Please reach out to Waste Pro directly with any questions on how to secure yard waste, or to report a missed pickup – 407-774-0800 – or use our portal.

What: Town of Windermere, Hurricane Preparedness Advisory

When: Prior, during and after a National Weather Service or National Hurricane Center Notice of a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning

Why: To protect citizens and property during an inclement weather hazard

Details: All construction materials within the Town must be secured, stored, or removed so as not to create a safety hazard because of hurricane or tropical storm force winds, or similar inclement weather.

• Follow all directives provided by the Town Building Official, Town Police Department, County Emergency Management, or other Town, County, State, or Federal Officials.
• All contractors should implement their hurricane job site mitigation plan during this time.
• Secure all equipment that cannot be removed from the site.
• Interiors of structures under construction should be secured to prevent materials from becoming airborne.
• All trash or debris on a construction site must be removed from site or be stored in properly secured and anchored containers.
• All hazardous and or reactive material should be identified, with provisions to safely store, neutralize or relocate the materials to a safe location.
• Piles of dirt, sand, and stone on a construction site should be located away from the lakes, canals, right of ways, adjoining properties, swales, culverts, and inlet grates.
• Locate and turn off all utilities (electricity, water, and gas) provided to the site.
• Assure that all required silt fencing and other erosion control measures are properly in place and secured.
• Do not drive through flooded roads or other areas.

Stay safe,

Brad Cornelius, AICP, CPM, CFM
Contracted Town Planner

• Two Flashlights.
• A battery-operated radio.
• Six extra sets of batteries.
• Gel freezer packs to keep food cold.
• A cooler.
• Matches and a lighter.
• A camping stove and/or grill.
• A tarp, towels, can opener, large plastic trash bags.
• Drinking water in plastic containers – a minimum one gallon of water per person per day for 14 days.
• Non-perishable food in cans or sealed containers enough for 14 days. Don’t forget the pets!
• A cell phone, if possible

• A map and a compass.
• Sleeping bags and/or blankets for each member of the family.
• A can of tire sealer.
• Air or foam mattresses.
• Identification for everyone.
• Important documents.
• Extra clothes, shoes, etc.
• Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, paper towels, etc.
• Books, games, playing cards, etc.
• Food and water from at home supplies.

All family members with Special Needs should register with the Orange County Special Needs Registry

• Fill your bathtub(s) and sinks with water. To keep from leaking, cover the drain with a clean sheet of plastic before filling
• Fill clean plastic or glass containers with water. Store the bottled water in a cool, dark area.
• Remove any loose lawn furniture or other items in your yard that could take flight in the winds.
• Make sure your vehicle is full of gas and withdraw money.

• Check all cleats, ropes, chocks and winches for strength.  Double the rigging lines fore and aft.
• Ensure lines are high enough on pilings to allow for extreme ebb and flow of rising waters.
• Tie old tires around the boat to protect it from being pushed into other docked boats, piers, pilings, etc.
• Loose items should be removed or secured inside the boat.

• Secure all windows and doors.
• Keep updated on the storm’s status by listening to advisory reports on the radio or TV.
• Remove all loose items from your yard.
• Keep flashlights handy.
• Have your Emergency Supply Kits near.
• For protection in extremely high winds, stay away from windows or any glass-covered openings during the storm. Go to the lowest floor of your home. Find a room that is structurally reinforced – a bathroom or closet – and wait until the storm passes.
• Do not use your computer or electrical devices during the storm.
• Do not leave your house until it has been confirmed that it is safe to do so.

• Take your At-Home and Evacuation Kits
• Turn off water, gas and electricity
• Lock all windows and doors
• Call friends and relatives to inform them of your destination. When you arrive, call again to let them know you are safe
• If you have pets, make sure your destination is pet friendly

• CALL 911 if you or someone in your household is injured and/or a life-threatening emergency exists
• Call the Non-Emergency number 407-905-6333 if you want to notify the Town of a possible safety concern, i.e., tree down/washed out road, vandalism, or other safety sensitive concern
• Before the public all clear is given, and the sustained winds are below 35 mph, Town staff has begun assessing the damage, clearing roads for emergency medical personal and conducting safety checks
• Take account of your immediate safety and the interior of your home. If you are safe to stay indoors, do so. Going outside may place you or your loved ones in danger. If possible, call a friend or family member outside of your area to let them know you are okay. Keep listening to radio and news reports of the situation
• Once you feel it’s safe to go outdoors, take account of your personal property: home, vehicles, etc. Take photos of any damage to your property. Use caution, the dangers still exist even though the storm has passed
• Only hire licensed contractors/certified arborist for any repair work that may be needed
  • To verify a licensed contractor, go to the Department of Business & Professional Regulations myfloridalicense.com/dbpr
  • To verify a certified arborist, go to www.isa-arbor.com
• Do Not venture beyond your property until crews have completed any and all work in the area