Florida storm season is no joke, especially in Winter Garden’s 34787 area. Whether you’re a long-time homeowner or new to the neighborhood, having the right storm supplies and knowing exactly where to get sandbags can make a world of difference. This ultimate guide covers everything you need to prepare, from essential items to neighborhood-specific sandbag locations for Covington Chase, Lake Cove Pointe, Hickory Hammock, and Four Seasons Orlando.
? Why Storm Preparation Is Essential in Winter Garden, FL
Living in Central Florida means being prepared for hurricanes, tropical storms, and flash floods. The 34787 area, including Winter Garden and Ocoee, can experience power outages, high winds, and heavy rainfall during storm season. Having your storm kit ready and knowing where to get resources like sandbags could help prevent costly damage and keep your family safe.
? Essential Storm Supplies Every Homeowner Needs
1. Water and Non-Perishable Food
Prepare at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days. Stock up on:
- Canned vegetables, soups, fruits
- Peanut butter, granola bars, protein shakes
- Baby formula or pet food, if needed
- Manual can opener
Where to buy in 34787:
- Walmart Supercenter – Ocoee
- Target – Winter Garden Village
- Publix & Winn-Dixie – multiple Winter Garden locations
- ALDI – West Colonial Drive
2. Power and Lighting Supplies
- Flashlights (one per person)
- Extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Power banks/portable chargers
- Generator (with fuel or propane)
Local retailers:
- Lowe’s – Winter Garden
- The Home Depot – Ocoee
- Ace Hardware – Plant Street, Winter Garden
- Florida Storm Supplies – Clermont (sandless flood bags, emergency kits)
3. Home Protection and Repair Items
Protect your home from flooding and wind:
- Tarps and heavy-duty plastic sheeting
- Plywood (pre-cut if possible)
- Zip ties, bungee cords, rope
- Sandbags or sandless flood barriers
- Duct tape and waterproof sealant
4. First Aid and Personal Protection
Have a dedicated bin with:
- Fully stocked first aid kit
- N95 masks or respirators
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Antibacterial wipes
- Prescription medications
5. Cleaning and Recovery Tools
Post-storm cleanup can be intense. Be ready with:
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Chainsaw or pruning saw
- Industrial trash bags
- Mold/mildew cleaner or bleach
- Floor fans or dehumidifiers
? Where to Get Sandbags in Winter Garden (34787)
During storm events, residents of Winter Garden and Ocoee can pick up sandbags at local government distribution sites. You’ll typically need to bring proof of residency (like a utility bill or photo ID). Most locations have a limit of 10 sandbags per household, and some require you to bring your own shovel.
✅ Primary Sandbag Pickup Location for Winter Garden Residents
West Orange Recreation Center
- ? 309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
- ? Available during city-declared storm events (check City of Ocoee updates)
- Staff-assisted sandbag filling station
- Orange County residents may be allowed during larger storms
This is the closest sandbag distribution center for most 34787 neighborhoods and is managed by Orange County during storm events.
✅ Ocoee Public Works – Additional Pickup Site& Lake Cove Pointe
- ? 301 Maguire Road, Ocoee, FL
- ? Available during city-declared storm events (check City of Ocoee updates)
- Staff-assisted sandbag filling station
- Orange County residents may be allowed during larger storms
?️ Neighborhood-Specific Sandbag Info for 34787
? Covington Chase & Lake Cove Pointe
Both neighborhoods are closest to West Orange Recreation Center, just 2–3 miles away. This is your best option for sandbag pickup. Bring a shovel and photo ID for verification.
? Hickory Hammock
Located near Avalon and Marsh Road, Hickory Hammock residents are also best served by the West Orange Recreation Center. Alternatively, check updates from the City of Winter Garden in case of pop-up distribution sites.
? Four Seasons Orlando (55+ Gated Community)
While technically closer to Kissimmee, Four Seasons Orlando is still in ZIP code 34787 and is eligible to use:
- West Orange Recreation Center
- Ocoee Public Works (depending on event and availability)
Make sure to call ahead or check Orange County Emergency Management updates to confirm eligibility.
? Where to Buy Hurricane Supplies in Winter Garden
| Supply Type | Best Stores Nearby |
| Water & Non-Perishables | Publix, ALDI, Walmart, Target |
| Power & Generators | Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Florida Storm Supplies |
| Tarps & Plywood | Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace Hardware |
| Sandbags (Free) | West Orange Rec Center, Ocoee Public Works (during storms only) |
| Cleaning Gear | Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s |
? Printable Storm Prep Checklist
Here’s a quick list you can print and check off:
✅ 3+ Days of Water per Person
✅ 3+ Days of Non-Perishable Food
✅ Flashlights + Extra Batteries
✅ Weather Radio
✅ Generator + Fuel
✅ First Aid Kit + Medications
✅ Sandbags or Flood Barriers
✅ Plywood, Tarps, Duct Tape
✅ Cleaning Supplies (Bleach, Bags, Gloves)
✅ Important Documents in Waterproof Folder
✅ Pet Supplies + Baby Essentials
✅ Fully Charged Devices + Power Banks
? Hurricane Prep Tips for Winter Garden Residents
- Monitor Weather Updates via the National Hurricane Center and local channels.
- Sign up for OC Alerts from Orange County for sandbag info, evacuation routes, and shelter openings.
- Photograph your property before the storm for insurance.
- Fill gas tanks and withdraw cash—ATMs and pumps may go down.
- Secure outdoor furniture and decorations before winds pick up.
- Keep storm drains near your property clear to prevent flooding.
? Stay Informed with Local Emergency Resources
- Orange County Emergency Management
- City of Ocoee Storm Info
- City of Winter Garden Updates
- OC Alert Signup
- Follow local pages on Facebook or Nextdoor for real-time neighbor updates.
? Final Thoughts: Be Storm Ready in 34787
Storm season is unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Whether you live in Covington Chase, Lake Cove Pointe, Hickory Hammock, or Four Seasons Orlando, you now have a complete guide to storm supplies, sandbag locations, and local resources.
Stay safe, stock up early, and share this post with your neighbors—because a storm-ready Winter Garden is a safer Winter Garden.
