Today, March 10, 2026, marks an important milestone for Orange County as Mayor Jerry L. Demings has appointed Carlos Durden as the new Director of the Office of Emergency Management. This decision was ratified during a session of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, paving the way for Durden to take the helm of emergency management efforts in the region.
With nearly 30 years of experience in emergency management, Durden comes to this role equipped with a robust background. He has spent 11 years leading response teams in Orange County through various natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. His previous service in the U.S. Air Force spanned 22 years, where he served as a Senior Master Sergeant specializing in emergency management. Notably, he supported the Pentagon following the September 11 attacks and managed critical operations during the Fukushima disaster. Durden takes over from Lauraleigh Avery, who has dedicated 33 years to Orange County before retiring on June 21, 2026.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
As hurricane season approaches, residents are urged to prepare their disaster readiness plans. In the past two years alone, Orange County has faced a combined total of 51 named storms, emphasizing the need for preparedness. During a recent discussion, Carlos Durden highlighted essential items for a hurricane kit, which should include a weather alert radio for timely disaster notifications. He also stressed the importance of generator safety and advised against running them in garages due to carbon monoxide risks.
Durden further recommends that residents stock up on essential supplies, aiming for a seven-day supply of non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, and cookies. A well-prepared community is crucial for effective recovery from storms in Florida, and understanding hurricane preparedness is key to mitigating potential impacts.
Community Engagement and Support
In this journey toward safety, collaboration is vital. Sergio Padilla, Founder & Secretary of Metro Orlando Hispanic CERT, has been at the forefront of addressing emergency response gaps within the Hispanic community. His organization is the only one in Florida dedicated to educating Spanish-speaking residents about emergencies. During the 2004 hurricane season, Padilla witnessed firsthand the challenges posed by a lack of emergency preparedness education, which led to significant difficulties for the community.
Despite the challenges of limited budgets for proactive disaster relief, the Hispanic CERT has received over 40,000 calls for support in Spanish, underscoring the importance of effective communication during emergencies. Ongoing collaborations with organizations like the Red Cross and local police continue, but Padilla emphasizes that self-education is crucial for the community’s resilience.
As we embrace these changes in leadership and prepare for the hurricane season ahead, the Orange County government remains committed to serving residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. For more information on emergency management and preparedness tips, visit this source and this one.
Being prepared for emergencies is not just a responsibility; it’s a community effort that ultimately saves lives. So, let’s gear up, stay informed, and work together to ensure our safety and well-being this hurricane season.