City of Orange City urges residents to prepare 3–7 day disaster kits before storms

Allister, a City of Orange City staff member, urged residents to prepare now for hurricanes and other severe storms, recommending a disaster supply kit to cover three to seven days and steps to secure homes.

The city message emphasized practical preparedness items and local tools residents can use to get alerts and report storm-related problems. "Start by building a disaster supply kit with 3 to 7 days of nonperishable food, water, and other supplies like flashlights, power banks, first aid kits, pet food, and baby supplies," Allister said.

The advisory said residents should also prepare a go bag in case they must evacuate. Suggested go-bag items included a change of clothing, hygiene supplies, identification and legal documents, insurance paperwork, medications, cash and phone chargers, and supplies for children and pets.

For home preparations, the city recommended trimming trees and removing dead branches, sealing cracks around doors and windows, checking for weakened frames, securing outdoor items such as patio furniture and decorations, and reinforcing garages and other doors as needed. The announcement said the city will announce standby shelter locations if impacts are expected to hit Orange City.

Allister directed residents to download the Volusia County Emergency Management app for real-time alerts, evacuation routes and shelter locations, and to use the OC Connect app to submit work orders and report hurricane-related concerns to the City of Orange City. For checklists and updates, the advisory directed residents to www.orangecityfl.gov and the city's hurricane preparedness quick links.

The city presentation was informational; no formal actions or directives to the council were announced in the remarks.