Based on the latest projected track and overall forecast for Hurricane Ian, OUC is preparing for potential impacts to our service area and will be ready to respond. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts Ian to rapidly intensify from a Category 1 storm into a major hurricane as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast.
On Monday, the NHC projected Ian making landfall somewhere along Florida’s West Coastline by Thursday or Friday, with tropical force-winds potentially impacting Central Florida as early as Tuesday or Wednesday.
On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for all of Florida. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has urged Floridians and visitors to gather supplies and keep track of the forecast.
The time to prepare for the storm is now, not the day before its arrival is imminent. If you haven’t done so already, register for storm updates at ouc.com/alerts or by texting 69682. Alerts are available in English and Spanish. If an outage occurs, you can report it to OUC by texting 69682 in English or Spanish, logging into you myOUC account or calling 407-423-9018.
The OUC.com/stormcenter webpage also includes an Outage Map that offers updates in English and Spanish (see example, below). The website offers a wealth of information on how OUC prepares for storms and restores power, and provides valuable tips to help customers create an action plan and stay safe during and after a storm. OUC’s downloadable Tropical Weather Guide and Hurricane Seasonal Safety Guide are great resources to have on hand, too.
- Tropical Weather Guide – Orlando – English| Spanish
- Tropical Weather Guide – St. Cloud – English| Spanish
- Hurricane Seasonal Safety Guide
Here are some tips you should consider while preparing:
- Monitor local TV and radio broadcasts for up-to-date emergency information.
- Consult and update your family emergency plan, identifying meeting places, contact information, and responsibilities.
- Prepare your home by protecting windows and clearing your patio and yard of lawn furniture, toys, and debris.
- Locate the nearest shelters.
If you’re evacuating…
- Take cash, credit cards, and important documents.
- Make arrangements for pets. Contact your local humane society for information on animal shelters.
- Plan an evacuation route and be prepared to drive 20-50 miles.
- Turn off electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks to avoid fire or electrocution.
Click here to view a list of items you should have in your hurricane first aid kit and here for tips on operating a generator safely.