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Published on October 07, 2024
Osceola County Ramps Up Preparations as Hurricane Milton Nears, Sandbag Giveaway UnderwaySource: Google Street View

As Hurricane Milton barrels towards the county, local leaders leave nothing to chance, rallying the public to brace for what may lie ahead. Osceola County reported that the county's Executive Advisory Group, which brings together key stakeholders, met on Sunday afternoon with plans to regroup on Monday morning for further preparations.

With the hurricane looming, the Osceola Emergency Operations Center upped its readiness to Level 2 status as of Sunday morning and is poised to escalate to full Level 1 status on Tuesday at 7 a.m. However, the time to get plans in place is dwindling fast. Residents seeking information or requiring assistance can ring the Citizen Information Center hotline, which will operate extended hours starting Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then around the clock beginning Tuesday.

To help locals safeguard their homes from Milton's impending fury, a massive giveaway of over 77,000 sandbags was held on Sunday. More will be up for grabs on Monday at Osceola Heritage Park with a collaborative effort from Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, and the City of St. Cloud. According to county officials, sandbags are limited to 25 per household, and residents must supply their shovels.

Despite no mandatory evacuations, the county advises those in vulnerable areas to consider safer grounds. A roster of shelters, including pet-friendly options, will open their doors at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Those unable to make alternate arrangements can seek refuge there, but it is emphasized as a measure of last resort, the county filling a critical need for its populace.

All governmental offices in Osceola County and the performing municipalities will shut their doors on Wednesday to brace for the storm. In the meantime, residents are urged to finalize their personal storm preparations posthaste. Up-to-the-minute information can be found at readyosceola.org or by subscribing to AlertOsceola emergency notifications by texting "alertosceola" to 888777.