For Immediate Release:
Contact: Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Heather Allebaugh (407) 246-3423

City of Orlando Prepares for
Potential Impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto

Orlando, FL—August 28, 2006--Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City of Orlando’s Office of Emergency Management are continuing to aggressively monitor Tropical Storm Ernesto. Currently, the City’s EOC is still at the monitoring level.

Based on the current forecast, City departments are taking precautionary measures for any potential impacts from the storm. For example, the Public Works Department is monitoring lake levels and lowering as needed. Emergency managers are continuing to work with local, volunteer, state and federal organizations, including the various service providers to our region’s homeless population, to ensure all of Orlando citizens are prepared for the potential impact of the storm.

In addition, the City is coordinating with Orange County to ensure there is adequate shelter space for Ernesto evacuees coming to the Central Florida area.

Mayor Dyer encourages all residents and visitors to closely monitor the storm and use today and tomorrow to prepare yourselves and your family for the potential landfall of Tropical Storm Ernesto. Residents should prepare an emergency kit, including water (one gallon of water per person per day), food (a three-day supply), medication, battery powered radio, batteries and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container.

To help residents prepare, sandbags will be available for City residents tomorrow, August 29, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 1010 South Woods Ave. There is a limit of 10 bags per resident.

Orlando residents can stay informed 24-hours a day with the City of Orlando’s AM radio station, WQDC 1650 AM. For information on hurricane preparation, citizens can visit the City of Orlando website at: http://cityoforlando.net/emergency. The City of Orlando will continue to watch Tropical Storm Ernesto and provide additional information and updates as the storm progresses toward Florida.