Orange County Mayor Crotty: 'We are ready' for Hurricane Wilma

The Orange County Emergency Operations Center is at Activation Level 1 (monitoring) in preparation for Hurricane Wilma. Emergency Managers continue to track the storm and coordinate response efforts with surrounding municipalities and coastal counties.

Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, Sheriff Kevin Beary, Public Safety Director Jerry Demings and Joel Hass, CEO of the American Red Cross of Central Florida, held a press conference Thursday, October 20 at the County Administration Center. Mayor Crotty outlined county preparedness efforts and update the community on our status.

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Residents of Orange County are advised to monitor the local news for Hurricane Wilma updates. Should the Orange County Emergency Operations Center increase to Level 3 (full) Activation, Orange TV (Cable channel 9) will carry regular live advisories.

• No evacuation orders have been issued for Orange County at this time. People living in mobile homes and low-lying areas should review their evacuation plans now.

• The Orange County Emergency Operations Center has identified shelters that will open if needed for evacuees and local residents seeking emergency shelter from the storm. The locations of these shelters will be announced as they become fully staffed and open.

• It is recommended that evacuees consider staying in hotels, motels, or with family or friends prior to choosing an emergency shelter. Shelters should be considered a last resort, since they are not built for comfort.