Orange County woman, 70, who died during Hurricane Matthew identified

Officials say Barbara Dennis died when medical device failed during power outage

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 70-year-old Orange County woman who died Friday during a Hurricane Matthew-related power outage has been identified.

The Orange County Medical Examiner's Office said Barbara Dennis died when her medical device failed.

“I’m deeply sorry to announce the death of an Orange County resident as a result of Hurricane Matthew," Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said. "It does not appear that the victim had registered with Orange County’s ‘People with Special Needs Program.'"  

A death investigation is continuing. The woman is one of five Hurricane Matthew related deaths in Florida as of Monday afternoon, according to the Associated Press.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends," Jacobs said.

The People with Special Needs Program is designed for any Orange County resident or visitor who, during times of disaster evacuation, has no alternative or requires transportation assistance to evacuate his or her home or has a medical condition that requires medical attention by a skilled medical professional in a shelter environment.

Any Orange County resident who meets the established eligibility criteria may register. Registrants need to update their information annually or as the registrant’s needs change. Registrants that do not update their information annually will be placed in an inactive status.

Registration can be done by:

  • Visiting the Florida Department of Emergency Management website at www.FLGetAPlan.com
  • Visiting the Orange County government website at www.orangecountyfl.net
  • Contacting and requesting a form from the Orange County People with Special Needs Program at 407-836-9319
  • Contacting and requesting a form from the Orange County Office of Emergency Management at 407-836-9140
  • Asking your home health care agency to register you.
  • Asking your hospice agency to register you.
  • Asking your medical equipment Supplier to register you.
  • Asking your senior social service agency to register you.

 


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