Hurricane Matthew - Thursday Update

Hurricane Matthew continues to barrel toward Florida, leading to coastal evacuations, school and government closings, and flight cancellations.
Let's be prepared and be safe, Lake Nona.

As of Thursday at 8AM, forecasters predicted that Matthew would scrape Florida's east coast late Thursday night, and could make landfall in northern Brevard County by Friday morning.
Parking Shelter
Tavistock will open two onsite garages at 3PM today for any resident who would like to park their car in a covered garage on a first come first serve basis. All cars should be removed by noon Saturday, October 8 dependent on weather. Park at your own risk - Tavistock does not assume responsibility for cars in the garages.

• Lake Nona Town Center parking garage has approx. 250 spaces on Floors 3 and 4 (Floors 1 and 2 are for hotel guests only).  
• The Landon House parking garage has approx. 150 spaces. 

A few updates from our onsite partners:

• Veterans needing emergency medical services are encouraged to visit the Orlando VAMC’s Urgent Care facility at 13800 Veterans Way in Lake Nona. The facility is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
• Nemours Children’s Hospital emergency department will remain open. All Nemours Children’s Urgent Care locations will be closed on Thursday.
• UCF has cancelled all classes on Thursday and Friday.
• Valencia has cancelled all classes, including online & off-site classes, from Thurs., 10/6 to Sun., 10/9. Questions? Email the instructor.

Updates from the City of Orlando, Orange County:

• Citizen Info Line: 407.246.HELP (4357)
• On Thursday, the City will be distributing Sandbags from 7AM-Noon at 1010 Woods Avenue.
• Sandbags will also be distributed by Orange County from 7 a.m. though 3 p.m. (pending weather). Residents are eligible for up to 10 sandbags per vehicle. For information and locations, visit www.ocfl.net/ocsandbaginfo.
  • Apopka – 3258 Clarcona Road
  • Bithlo – 18753 Old Cheney Highway
  • John Young – 4200 S. John Young Pkwy
  • Taft – 11442 Intermodal Way
  • Three Points- 4631 Young Pine Road
  • West Orange - 644 Beulah Road
  • Zellwood - 3400 Golden Gem Road
• Local Emergency Radio Station: 1650 AM

This storm is projected to be serious and we ask that you take the appropriate precautions in and around your property.

• Walk your property and secure items that could potentially become a projectile in high wind (Lawn chairs, potted plants, toys, Halloween decorations, etc.)
• Be a good neighbor. Check on those who might need help or assistance. 

Please follow the latest news and updates on Twitter (@LearnLakeNona) and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnlakenona.
Helpful Resources:

• City of Orlando Emergency Management’s website:  Cityoforlando.net/emergency
• National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Orange County Public Schools (OCPS): https://www.ocps.net/Pages/default.aspx

[Important Phone Numbers:
Emergencies:                                      911
Dais:                                                    800-376-9715
Fire Department Non-Emergencies:   321-235-5200
Police Non-Emergencies:                   321-235-5300
Power Outages (OUC):                      407-423-9018
Trees on City right-of-way:                 407-246-2283
Central Florida Red Cross:                 407-894-4141
Orange County Humane Society:       407-351-7722
FEMA:                                                 770-220-5200
[Helpful Tips & Lessons Learned from your Neighbors:

• Freeze water in spare Tupperware containers, milk cartons and jugs. They double as ice packs for coolers and then usable water. You can also place then in the fridge to keep temps low in case of power outages.
• Fill your bathtubs with water. Can be used to flush toilets, wash hands, fill dog bowls. Better safe than sorry.
• Charge up all your devices now.
• Set out flash lights, candles and lighters so you don’t have to scramble in the dark.
• Remember to use the hurricane lock on your garage door. But then make a large note on all remotes so you remember to open the lock otherwise it will buckle the door.
• Make friends with the neighbor who owns a generator.
• Turn your sprinklers off.

​
Make sure your Hurricane Kit includes:

• Flashlights & extra bulbs
• Battery-operated radio
• Battery-operated lanterns
• Batteries (in different sizes!)  
• Matches 
• First aid kit
• Duct tape
• Rain gear

• Clock (wind-up or battery-powered)
• Plastic garbage bags
• Fire extinguisher
• Scissors
• Can Opener
• Clean clothes
• Extra blankets
• Heavy gloves

FOOD AND WATER
Pack non-perishable food for each person for 3-7 days.

• Bottled water (1 gallon/person/day) 
• Bottled juice
• Two coolers: 
• One for drinks & one for food

• Canned foods
• Manual can opener
• Dry pet food

REMEMBER:

• Have copies of important documents in a waterproof folder or container.
• Have enough of any prescription medications you and your pet take.

Hurricane Safety Procedures
Before a Hurricane:

• Build a disaster kit to ensure you have all the supplies needed during the hurricane.
• Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure; this will reduce roof damage.
• Trim trees and shrubs around your home.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Consider building a safe room.

​During a Hurricane:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone unless it is a serious emergency.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• You should evacuate under the following conditions:
  • If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
  • If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure— such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
  • If you live in a high-rise building— hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
  • If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river or on an inland waterway.
  • If you feel you are in danger.
• If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
  • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
  • Close all interior doors— secure and brace external doors.
  • Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm and winds could pick up again.
  • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level
  • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.