In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, the City of Sanford is diligently preparing facilities, parks and neighborhoods for inclement weather.
Stay Informed
The City will distribute timely updates. We encourage you to monitor our social channels and consider downloading our mobile app, Sanford Connects to keep up with the most recent information.
You may also call the City of Sanford’s Citizen Information Line at 407.562.2778 for pre-recorded, storm-related information. The Citizens Information Line’s recordings are available 24/7.
Residents are also encouraged to register for emergency alerts through Alert Seminole, Seminole County’s emergency notification and warning system.
- Those who register will receive emergency alerts via text, email, or voice call about a variety of potential public safety and environmental hazards, including weather events, evacuations, shelter-in-place orders, disruptive road closures, boil water notices, and other safety concerns.
- Participating residents will receive time-sensitive messages specific to their specified home or business location within Seminole County. Residents can unsubscribe to alerts at any time through their account.
Preparation
- Street sweepers are currently working to clear streets of leaves and debris.
- City crews are currently cleaning out inlets and grates.
- City crews are reviewing our retention facilities to see if we need to pump any water levels down to increase available capacity.
- The sanitary sewer system including the downtown vacuum sewer system is being monitored for levels.
- Manhole covers are being checked.
- Pumps and Equipment are being prepared.
- The wastewater treatment plant storage pond levels are being lowered.
- Generators are being prepared and filled.
Updated: 10/7 5:30 PM
Streets and Stormwater crews continue to clean inlet grates and check stormwater pipes and ditches for any possible issues. The street sweepers are covering as much as possible to clear any debris or leaves that are in the curb & gutters. It would aid the City if residents keep any debris out of the street as this will end up in the stormwater system.
Sandbags
Updated: 10/7/24 5:20 PM
The City of Sanford will provide free sand and sandbags at the 18th Steet Park, located at 430 West 18th Street, across from Sanford Middle School. Please enter the Park from Elm Avenue. The City received approximately 10,000 additional new empty bags for our community. Our crews will continue to replenish supplies and will follow Seminole County’s lead, closing this operation at NOON on Tuesday, October 8.
This is a self-serve site for residents to fill and load sandbags themselves. Residents should bring their own shovel, gloves and a friend or family member to hold the bag open while you shovel sand or vice versa.
Elderly and disabled folks will be assisted at Seminole County’s Boombah Sports Complex, located at 3325 Cameron Avenue, Sanford. This site is open on Monday, October 7, 8 AM – 7 PM and Tuesday, October 8 from 8 AM until NOON. Semnole County Staff will be available to help those who need assistance.
Evacuations and Emergency Shelters
Updated: 10/7/24 11:45 AM
SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTERS: As we prepare for Hurricane Milton, Seminole County residents are encouraged to register loved ones and neighbors with special needs for the Special Needs Emergency Shelter Program. Registering now ensures first responders have a record of important needs. Registered individuals will be notified about evacuation, shelter openings, and/or transportation services. Medical personnel are provided at Medically Enhanced Shelters. Medical information is HIPAA-protected and used for planning purposes only. Registration is renewed annually. Special needs shelters do not substitute for the greater levels of care given in hospitals or assisted living facilities. Those requiring 24-hour skilled medical care should contact their medical professional to make arrangements. For more information, visit prepareseminole.org.
ELIGIBILITY: Individuals may be eligible for the Special Needs Program if they:
- Depend on electricity to operate medical devices, such as oxygen or CPAP machines.
- Require refrigeration for medication.
- Have acute health/medical conditions that require routine medications or monitoring.
- Register online at prepareseminole.org or call 407.665.0000.
Utilities
Updated: 10/7 5:35 PM
The City of Sanford Utility Department is prepared for hurricane activity and we will do our best to provide uninterrupted water and sewer service through any storms that impact the area. However, during any storm event please monitor the news and the City’s website periodically, as power outages and uprooted trees have the potential to cause interruptions in water service which may result in precautionary boil water notices. Also, widespread power outages may limit our ability to pump sewage and, if so, we may ask customers to limit toilet flushing and other activities that contribute to sewer flows.
Garbage / Recycle / Yard Waste
Updated: 10/7/24 1:40 PM
Solid Waste / Recycle / Yard Waste Update: On Monday, October 7, 2024 and Tuesday, October 8, 2024, all solid waste and recycle will be collected as scheduled. There will be NO COLLECTION SERVICES on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 or Thursday, October 10, 2024. We anticipate resuming normal operations on Friday, October 11, 2024, dependent upon the weather. Updates will follow as received.
Yard Waste: Residents should secure their yard waste or consider taking it directly to the Seminole County Landfill, located at 1930 East Osceola Road, Geneva. All tipping fees will be waived at the Landfill. Fees will still apply for yard waste drop-off at the Central Transfer Station, located at 1950 State Road 419, Longwood. The Seminole County Landfill and Central Transfer Station are open Monday, October 7, 2024 and Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For disposal fees or further disposal information, please contact Seminole County at 407.665.2260.
City Facilities Closures
Updated: 10/7/24 4 PM
All City Facilities (including City Hall, the Public Safety Complex, all rental facilities, parks, pavilions, and programs) will be closed to the public beginning at NOON, tomorrow, on Tuesday, October 8. We anticipate reopening facilities to the public on Friday, October 11, 2024, dependent upon weather and damage assessments for safety. Facilities included are:
- City Hall
- Public Safety Complex
- Sanford Museum
- Sanford Civic Center
- Bettye D. Smith Cultural Arts Center
- Sanford Senior Center
- Tim Raines Sports Park, including the Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium, Zinn Beck Field, and the Herbert “Whitey” Eckstein – Chase Park
- Larry A. Dale Aquatic Center
- Jeff Triplett Community Center
- Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center
- All Parks, Trails, Courts and Pavilions
- Municipal Cemetery
City Public Meetings, Programs and Events
Updated: 10/7 4:20 PM
- After School Programming, at the Jeff Triplett Community Center and the Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center, is cancelled following their regular closing scheduled today, on Monday, October 7, 2024. After School Programming will resume in conjunction with Seminole County Public Schools resuming classes.
- All outdoor recreation games, practices, activities are cancelled until damage and safety assessments are completed with hopes of resuming on Friday, October 11, 2024.
- Project Sanford’s Alive After 5 event scheduled on Thursday, October 10, 2024 will be rescheduled to Thursday, October 17, 2024.
- Central Florida Soap Box Derby Rally, scheduled for this weekend, Saturday, October 12, 2024 and Sunday, October 13, 2024, have been cancelled.
Power Outages
Updated: 10/7 5:40 PM
Consider all downed power lines and anything touching them energized and DANGEROUS! Do not go near them and report the problem to your utility provider or call 911. Report power outages directly to your service provider or call 911. If you come up to an intersection where the power is out, consider the intersection as four-way stop.
Generator Safety
Updated: 10/7 5:40 PM
The City of Sanford Fire Department reminds residents to never use generators indoors. Improper use of a generator can be extremely dangerous as carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is highly poisonous. Do not use a generator indoors or within 20 feet of your home or other structures.
Debris Removal
- This is for debris removal after the storm has passed.
IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
- Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
- Know your area’s risk of hurricanes.
- Sign up for Alert Seminole. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
- Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
- Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
- Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
- Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
- Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
- Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.
- Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
- Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
- Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
- Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
- If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
- Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
- Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
- Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
- If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
- If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
- Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
- Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
- Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
- Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
- Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
- Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
Hurricane Preparedness For Your Yard
Is your yard ready for hurricane season?
When it comes to the cutting of vegetation, garbage and storm debris, there are steps that should be taken before, during and after a storm.
All major cutting of vegetation should be completed long before June 1, the beginning of hurricane season. The City of Sanford arranges for removal of yard debris from routine yard maintenance weekly throughout the year. If you are having trees removed or doing any other major cutting, be sure to have your contractor include the price of debris removal as part of their service.
All major cutting of vegetation should be completed long before June 1, the beginning of hurricane season. The City of Sanford arranges for removal of yard debris from routine yard maintenance weekly throughout the year. If you are having trees removed or doing any other major cutting, be sure to have your contractor include the price of debris removal as part of their service.
- Do not cut down trees or do major yard work.
- Do not begin construction projects that produce debris.
- Mass cutting places a tremendous burden on the collection process and there is not enough equipment or manpower to handle the additional material before a storm makes landfall. You could not only put yourself at risk but your neighbors as well.
- Keep all household garbage, recycling, vegetation and storm debris separate. This is extremely important!
- Place household garbage in CLEAR plastic bags to expedite wet waste removal.
- Be patient!
- Don’t call and ask that trucks be pulled from scheduled routes to pick up your own debris first. Deviation from carefully planned routes causes delays in the entire process.
Separating Your Debris
