Make a Difference - Make a Plan

Emergencies or disasters can strike at anytime, they happen quickly and without warning. These emergencies may force you to make a decision whether to evacuate your current location or stay where you are.

The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department believes every individual plays an important role in preparing for all types of emergencies. It’s important to understand what an emergency or disaster could mean for you and your family, as everyone’s needs and abilities are different. We urge every citizen to use the important information provided in these emergency preparedness guides to put a plan in place. 

Creating an Emergency Preparedness Plan can be accomplished in three simple steps.

Step 1: Make a Kit

In a significant emergency, it is important to remember that First Responders may be delayed in responding to 9-1-1 emergencies. Therefore, you should have a kit that will provide for you and your family for at least three days. This kit should include all the food, supplies, medications, and documents you may need for you and your family. We have provided an emergency supply list to help get you started.

Step 2: Make a Plan

Family plans are very important to have in place prior to imminent danger. You should share these plans with other family members and emergency contacts. Your plan should include a meeting place that is away from your residence, a list of emergency contacts, and important documents (Insurance forms, wills, and cash). A county shelter should be everyone’s last option. If you must evacuate, you should seek shelter at a family member's house or find a local hotel. If you have pets, you should make plans in advance. You should have knowledge of your pet-friendly hotels in the area as part of your plan. Most county shelters will not be pet-friendly, unless it is a service animal. 

If you or a family member has special needs you are encouraged to pre-register with the Florida Special Needs Registry.

Step 3: Be Informed

Take time to become familiar with the various emergencies and disasters that can occur in your area. During an incident, local radio and television channels provide a great resource for updated information. The City of Winter Garden and Orange County also have great additional resources that may be helpful in the event of an emergency. The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department recommends that all citizens that use a cell phone as a primary contact consider registering their cell phone under the CodeRed Emergency Notification System. CodeRed will match your cell phone to your home address, allowing emergency dispatchers to contact you with pertinent information in the event of an emergency. Orange County also provides the OCFL Alert App for smartphones and tablets. This application can provide you with important weather alerts and shelter information during an emergency. You may also dial 3-1-1 for all non-emergency Orange County inquires.

BE READY. BE PREPARED.