It will get much busier at the Orange County EOC in the next 24 hours as Ian gets closer to the sunshine state. Orlando's emergency operations center will also be operating with full staffing beginning Wednesday. Both of the hubs for emergency communications will help the city and the county track the storm's approach and use hundreds of cameras in the metro area and along the major highways to see how the storm is affecting traffic, and even to detect damage as the worst of the winds and rain blow through. The EOCs will then be able to dispatch emergency responders, public works crews and private contractors who will have the job of clearing trees, and other debris that may be blocking streets. During a news conference yesterday, county Mayor Jerry Demings said everyone plays a role in preparing their homes and families for Hurricane Ian. "We want our residents to take it seriously, to make sure that they are indeed preparing. We know that by Tuesday evening, we may begin to feel some impacts of the storm," Demings said. "But Wednesday and Thursday are the principal days that we are mostly concerned about." "Not only are central Florida counties under a tropical storm watch but other counties around the state as well," Demings said. The mayor added one of the best ways to prepare is to make sure you have your hurricane kit in order, with water, batteries, flashlights, fans, and weather radios, and we certainly saw people out in stores yesterday stocking up.Some other important notes are Orange County Public Schools will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Classes at UCF are canceled Wednesday through Friday. No shelter information for Orange County has been released, but we may learn more about that at the County Commission meeting at 9 a.m.The Homeless Services Network is making arrangements to open more space for those living in their cars on the streets and in the woods.