Orlando Offers Free Sandbags for Hurricane Season Prep

The city of Orlando is proactively distributing free sandbags to residents to prepare for the ongoing hurricane season, with pickup available at the City of Orlando Streets and Stormwater facility at 1010 Woods Ave. Each vehicle can receive up to 10 sandbags, with city staff assisting in loading, and a self-serve option is also provided. Officials emphasize that this distribution is notable as it occurs without an active storm threat, highlighting the importance of early preparedness amid predictions of an above-normal hurricane season with six to ten hurricanes expected. Meteorologists note early tropical activity signs in the Gulf, underscoring the need for readiness, including assembling hurricane emergency kits and ensuring proper flood insurance, as standard homeowners' policies do not cover flooding and flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period to take effect. Residents are encouraged to check and update their hurricane kits annually, following guidelines from FloridaDisaster.org and Ready.gov. The city's efforts reflect a broader call to action for Floridians to prepare in advance for potential storms, as Orlando can experience significant wind, rain, and flooding impacts even from distant hurricanes.