We want you and your loved ones to stay safe as Hurricane Irma approaches the Florida coastline. We’ve gathered a wealth of information from local sources and placed them all here in one easy to reference location. We ask that you treat others with kindness while you prepare for this storm, we are all in this together and as always we stand stronger together!
City of Sanford Emergency Management
http://www.sanfordfl.gov/index.aspx?page=365&fref=gc&dti=800659353327375
Sign up for storm alerts: (as well as Hurricane kit preparation list, making a plan, shelter list, etc.)
Where to get Sandbags:
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/public-works/roads-stormwater/sbags.stml
 Tips on preparing for a Hurricane:
Governor Scott has declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Florida today in anticipation of hurricane Irma. This is a very detailed list given of preparations you should make this week to make sure you and your family are safe.
- Â Start running your ice makers now and bagging the ice in freezer bags. Fill as much space in between your freezer items as you can.
- Freeze regular tap water for pets, cleaning or drinking in Tupperware-type containers. REMEMBER to leave a small bit of space between the top of the water & the lids so the ice expands but doesn’t crack the container.
- Fill your pitchers, glasses, coolers, sports jugs etc. with water and/or ice
- Fill every Tupperware with water and store in freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a back up water supply.
- Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep near sinks for washing hands.
- Start using up your perishables to make more room for ice in the freezer.
- Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for first day without power.
- Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don’t have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.
- Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor free environment. Store water filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
- Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don’t flush them. It’s not the time to risk clogging your toilet!
- Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
- Fill up all vehicles & check tires & oil.
- Cash from ATM, at least enough to get you through tolls and gas out of town. Call your bank if you plan on leaving the state so they don’t freeze your card for out-of-area “suspicious” transactions.
- All important docs screenshot & send to your email. Take originals in sealed bags or plastic bins.
- Pet & livestock food & supplies. Vet records in case you need to shelter then at a storm-safe facility.
- Evacuation plans and share with family members so they know where you’re headed.
- Consider putting heirlooms & photos in plastic bins in a high place, second floor, or safe room if you don’t plan on taking them with you.
- SECURE ALL FIREARMS & AMMUNITION PROPERLY.
- Old rags & beach towels on your windowsills. Even with the best windows & shutters, water seeping from the wind pressure happens. A few damp towels is better than soaked drywall or floors!
- Shutter windows and doors and bring everything outside into your garage or house NOW. Do not wait until the day before. Better to get done early and relax than wait until its too late, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE MANDATORY PERSONNEL (hospital employee or first responder).
- Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.
- If you don’t already have your hurricane supplies, you might want to get them now. Shelves are already empty in most places.
- Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still used for dialing 911. Charge external battery back ups.
- Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
- Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!
- https://www.ready.gov/
- https://www.fema.gov/
Special Needs Plan
Pet Safety
https://www.cdc.gov/features/petsanddisasters/index.html
 Tracking Irma
The National Hurricane Center, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?fref=gc&dti=800659353327375
If you can, take a video of your house and contents….walk room to room–open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don’t forget anything)…I highly recommend!!!
Generator Safety
FEMA Flood Map
https://msc.fema.gov/portal?fref=gc&dti=800659353327375
Be proactive
For insurance purposed be sure to have updated images of your home and your belongings.
Filling out a home inventory list and then sending it to yourself via e-mail and/or storing it in your cloud is a smart move! Here is an inventory list provided by UF IFAS Extension Seminole County, http://bit.ly/2vKJ9dg
Sanford Businesses Offering Their Help
Sanford Brewing Company is offering FREE WATER, from our water filtration system, bring in your CLEAN containers and we’ll fill them for you.
Go away IRMA!
From Park & Seventh
Sanford friends, family and neighbors — In preparation for Hurricane Irma, we are offering our services to cut plywood FREE of cost for anyone wanting to board up their windows. Please make sure you know what measurements you need and reach out through text or messenger prior to just showing up at our shop. We are preparing ourselves as well, so we may or may not be there if you randomly stop by. Be safe everyone!
From the Chamber of Commerce regarding Hurricane Irma
Advisory’s from the National Weather Service and local emergency management indicate the storm will track north in an area that impacts Florida to some degree. Businesses across the community are reporting that the general public is busily preparing for the storm. Please be alert to weather notices to best preapre for the safety of your business, familiy and home.
The following members have been included on our list of storm preparedness for products and services.
Sand Bags
City of Sanford Public Works Complex–20 bag max
800 Fulton Ave. Sanford, FL 32771
Bring own shovel–Open 24 Hours starting Wednesday
Propane
Thermotane Propane– Chandler Robertson advised he has sufficient propane to service customer needs. Line at his location has been running about 10-12 people. 20 lb tank filled for $10.00
414 W 9th St, Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 322-5854
Generators    Â
Seminole Powersports–Kirby Mullins advised that he went to Jacksonville yesterday for a shipment and has units available. They also have 5 gallon gas cans.
1200 Rinehart Rd, Sanford, FL 32771
Phone:Â (407) 322-3253
Pet Services
Seminole Animal Hospital    Lisa Allison advised they are able to vaccinate/micro chip and still have some boarding kennels available, they will be open MON thru FRI 8a-6p and Sat 9a-1p.
2515 HE Thomas Jr Pkwy Sanford FL 32771
407-330-PETS (7387)
www.sanfordvet.com
Insurance Â
State Farm Gail Williams–Gail Williams has advised that flood insurance can be written, however, it does not become effective for 30 days.
1169 Rinehart Rd, Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 323-0003
Damage Prevention/Remediation
Master Tech Emergency Services–Chris Sekunna has advised her team is available to assist with preparations to prevent damage. They also do remediation services post storm.
915 Doyle Blvd # 303-225 Deltona, FL 32725
(386) 457-9294
chrissekunna@gmail.com
SERVPRO of North Seminole & Volusia County–Joe Dalton has indicated that his company is fully prepared for pre and post storm preparation and remediation.
1980 Dolgner Place, Suite 1000 Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 323-2422
joseph.dalton@servprowp.com
Greenbuilt Home Solutions, Inc.–Eric Huss is available for post storm damage repair.
1111 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd #101 Longwood, FL 32750
(407) 924-4044 · (407) 924-4044
denise@gbhs.info
Link Staffing Services–Dawn Sipley has indicated her company has workers ready for post storm cleanup
4029 West State Road 46 Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 936-1536
dsipley@linkstaffing.com
Food and Catering
HoneyBaked Ham & Café–Jimmy Salerno indicated his company is available for meals and catering
318 N Entrance Rd. Sanford, FL 32771
407-688-2271
407-688-2126 (fax)
Accomodations
Orlando North Seminole County Tourism–Rosangela Parker has advised that they are available for pre/post storm support relating to guidance and assistance for those seeking hotel accommodations to weather the storm and any potential aftermath.
1515 International Parkway, Suite 1013 Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407) 665-2900
tourism@doorlandonorth.com
Thank you for your support of the Sanford Chamber!
Trying to get updates on how Sanford Florida made it through Irma I have family on South Park and I can’t get a phone call in or out
Sanford did very well through Irma, a bit of flooding and most were with out power for about a week, but no major damage. Hope you were able to get through to your family.