Hurricane Information
Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30
Valencia College closely monitors extreme weather with the health and safety of our students and staff as a priority.
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United Way of Central Florida
Community Partners
Valencia College closely monitors extreme weather with the health and safety of our students and staff as a priority. In collaboration with our key community partners–Orange County, Osceola County, LYNX transit, University of Central Florida and others–we make decisions about closing and reopening in a thoughtful, timely manner.
Here are some ways to get prepared for the hurricane season and learn more about our communication efforts if a hurricane arises.
Be Prepared
FEMA hurricane preparedness. Learn how FEMA works.
View a recommended list of items needed in a home emergency kit.
Are you ready for the hurricane season? Learn hurricane terms and more ways to prepare.
Sales Tax Exemptions on Disaster Preparedness Supplies
Permanent sales tax exemption for the following items starting August 1, 2025
- Batteries (AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt)
- Fire extinguishers
- Insect repellent
- Life jackets
- Portable gas or diesel cans (max 5 gal)
- Portable generators
- Smoke detection devices and carbon monoxide alarms
- Waterproof tarps (1,000 sq. ft. or less)
- Sunscreen
- Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
Please follow Valencia College on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram or Threads for the most current information.
Sign Up for Alerts
Orange County Emergency Alerting System
Sign up now to be alerted through the Orange County Emergency system, from OCAlert.net
Osceola County Emergency Management
Sign up now to receive information from Osceola County for extreme weather conditions, from Alert Osceola.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about assignments, deadlines and campus operations.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What should I do about assignments that are due while the college is closed? | Students will not be expected to submit academic assignments during the official college closure. Students who have the time and ability to complete their coursework are encouraged to do so. Upon returning to class, students are advised to check with their professors for guidance on deadline extensions. |
| Where am I supposed to get an update on my class or course? | The college has asked professors to post an update in their Canvas courses which includes the closure dates and that class assignments will be due after the college reopens. |
| What about online classes? | When the college cancels classes, online classes are canceled too. Students who want to work on assignments during the closure may still do so; Canvas will remain active for their use. |
| How should I contact my professor or instructor? | You may contact your professor or instructor through Canvas. |
| I live in UnionWest and am trying to figure out if I should stay here during the hurricane. | Students who live on campus are encouraged to stay at safe off-campus locations, if possible. Students who choose to stay will be able to remain in their rooms. |
| I’m a UnionWest resident and am staying here during the hurricane. How can I get food? | We advise you to stock up on food for the closure. You can take a free LYNX Lymmo bus to the Publix by Lake Eola (at the intersection of Central Boulevard and Lake Avenue). |
| Can I shelter at the campus? | The college does not serve as a shelter during hurricanes. If you need to find a shelter, please visit these websites for a list of shelters: |
| Can I park my car in the parking garage on East Campus? | Sorry, you cannot. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office uses the Valencia College East Campus parking garage to stage vehicles and officers during a storm so they can respond quickly to emergencies in the surrounding area. |
| Will LYNX buses be operating? | Check the LYNX website for their operating schedule. |
| Where can I get sand bags? | Locations where sandbags are available: |
Community Partners
Orange County Public Schools
School District of Osceola County
University of Central Florida
LYNX Transportation
Orange County Public Schools
School District of Osceola County
University of Central Florida
LYNX Transportation