Hurricane Ian Update #6

Orlando experienced historic flooding throughout the city due to the amount of rain. Many areas of the city experienced rainfall in excess of 14 inches. This water must recede naturally. There are risks associated with flooded waterways, which may endanger resident health as there is a potential for water to contain debris and be mixed with raw sewage. The City of Orlando urges residents to not swim, paddle, kayak, boat and take part in other water recreation sports in flooded waterways.   

 

Residential storm debris pick up is underway. Residents can help expedite the yard waste collection process by doing the following: 

The City’s Wastewater Treatment plant is currently operating above capacity and residents are encouraged to restrict water usage in their homes as much as possible, including refraining from doing laundry, washing dishes, taking showers/baths and flushing toilets. Additional water usage like this will put more pressure on these systems and could lead to sewage overflows. 

 

Homeowners and renters in the City of Orlando who were affected by Hurricane Ian may apply for FEMA disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, or by using the FEMA mobile app.  Residents may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the storm. 

 

Residents needing tarps to cover roof damage are encouraged to request fiber-reinforced sheeting for their home from the federal government through the Operation Blue Roof program by visiting https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/Blue-Roof-Information/ 

 

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Survey responses will allow the state of Florida to expedite Hurricane Ian recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses. Businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian can complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at www.FloridaDisaster.biz. 

 

City of Orlando Parks staff are currently removing trees, including a few that are blocking roadways at this time.  

 

City of Orlando Transportation Engineering staff continues to work to restore power at impacted traffic lights. At this time, there are 11 devices without power, 22 with flashing lights and 137 without communication. This is out of a total of 602 devices. 

 

City of Orlando parks remain closed until they can be fully assessed. Parks will be opened as they are deemed safe to use.  

 

Lake Eola Park is still experiencing high water levels but the walkway surrounding the lake is cleared and the playground and restrooms are open. 

 

Bill Frederick Park is scheduled to open Saturday, October 1, 2022, at noon but several amenities will be closed (disc golf, lake activities, drone zone, overnight rentals and volleyball courts) until further notice. 

 

Other parks clear of water and debris can be used unless signs indicate a closure. 

 

City Hall and other facilities will reopen Monday, October 3, 2022, during their normal business hours. City services will also resume normal operations Monday.