- October 9, 2024
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Volusia County emergency management officials used their final press conference preceding Hurricane Milton by urging residents to stay off the roads if possible but head to a hotel or emergency shelter if they live in an evacuation zone.
At the 4 p.m. press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 9, Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham said that while the hurricane’s path shifted slightly south, the threats to the county have not decreased.
There is an increased possibility of tornadoes before the storm approaches the area, he said. Six to 8 inches of rain are expected throughout the county with some areas getting as much as 15 inches, he said. Sustained winds are expected to reach 50 to 60 mph with gusts as high as 80 mph, Mecham said.
A curfew will be be in effect from 8 p.m. Wednesday until 8 p.m. Thursday.
On Tuesday, Volusia extended an evacuation order for Zone A, east of the Intracoastal Waterway, to also include low-lying areas west of the intracoastal and all residents living in manufactured homes, mobile homes RV parks and campgrounds and low-lying areas.
Residents whose homes were previously flooded by storms are at risk for this storm, Mecham said.
As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, more than 800 people were in the county’s emergency shelters with room for plenty more.
However, the county sent out a press release at 6 p.m. announcing that the emergency shelter at Mainland High School has reached capacity. Other general population shelters in the county are at Creekside Middle School in Port Orange, DeLand High School, University High School in Orange City and the Volusia County Fairgrounds east of DeLand. Special needs shelters are at David C. Hinson Middle School in Daytona Beach and Galaxy Middle School in Deltona. DeLand High, the fairgrounds and both special needs shelters are pet friendly.
Volusia County has been coordinating with Volusia County Schools and is assisting in transporting persons who have sought shelter at Mainland High School to another shelter location.
Mecham urged residents to stay off the roads if possible.
“Use extreme caution,” he said. “Never drive over debris or standing water.”
If going to a shelter, he said, bring items that will keep you comfortable such as food, snacks, medications, pillows, blankets, bedding, toiletries, a change of clothes, a book to read and headphones.
Emergency Services Director Jim Judge said in the event of a power outage those who have generators should keep them at a safe distance from their homes because carbon monoxide fumes can seep into window sills and closed doors. Make sure flashlights and extra batteries are in a handy place, he added.
After the storm, Judge said, residents can send photos of damages to the Volusia Emergency Management app,. The county will use the photos in its report to state and federal authorities to expedite the process in getting declared as a local, state or federal disaster area.
Officials also said access on bridges to the beachside will be restricted once winds reach 40 mph, sandbag distribution centers have closed and garbage and trash collection on Thursday and Firday in unincorporated areas of the county have been suspended.
Residents can stay updated by downloading the Emergency Management app, following the county’s social media channels or calling the Citizens Information Center, which is open 24/7 until further notice, at 866-345-0345.
