Emergency Resources for Visitors to Orlando

Call 911 for any life-threatening emergency, such as a fire, a crime in progress or a serious injury or illness. Orange County's Who To Call guide says to dial 911 for life-threatening emergency assistance. Stay on the line and follow the call taker's instructions.

If you are in danger and cannot speak, or you are deaf or hard of hearing, texting 911 may be possible in some places. Orange County says a voice call is the best and fastest option, that texting may take longer, and that texting is not available everywhere. If the text service is not available you will receive a message telling you to call. Include your exact location and the nature of the emergency, and do not send photos or emojis.

Orange County lists texting as an option when a voice call would put you in danger, or when you have tried to call but cannot get phone reception.

In Orange County, 311 handles non-emergency matters such as flooding, debris, downed trees, traffic concerns and road conditions. The county gives 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111 as its number for the Office of Emergency Management, and says Spanish operators and translators are available.

Dial 211 for help with food, housing, financial assistance, health programs and crisis support. Other counties may use different numbers; check the county government site for where you are staying.

Orange County points residents to the National Weather Service for Central Florida forecasts, and the Melbourne forecast office is linked below. Wireless Emergency Alerts are short messages that appear on compatible phones in a targeted area, are not charged for, and need no subscription. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts official warnings and watches around the clock.

County alert systems add local detail. Orange County operates OCAlert, and neighboring counties run their own alert systems. Florida also asks residents and visitors to sign up for local emergency alerts.

For road closures, incidents and cameras, use FL511, Florida's official real-time traffic service.

Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among weather-related hazards, according to Ready.gov. Never leave a child, person with a disability or pet in a parked car. Heat and sun are covered in our weather guide.

During thunderstorms, move into a building or a vehicle with a roof, and do not drive through flooded roads. At the coast, swim only where lifeguards are on duty; rip currents can form on calm, sunny days.

During hurricane season, follow the National Hurricane Center, the NWS and your county emergency management office, and obey evacuation orders from local officials.

See our hurricane season guide for background and official links. We do not provide evacuation instructions; follow your county's official guidance.

SunRail stations have emergency call boxes and passenger assist telephones on the platforms that can reach 911 or SunRail customer service. Look for them if you need help while waiting for a train.

Orange County parks with lightning detection sound a horn when lightning is detected; stop activities and seek shelter right away. The county also says to seek shelter if lightning threatens, even where no signal has sounded.