Hurricane Information Martin County

Storm Preparation Martin County

Safety Notes for Storm Preparations:

If you have small children in your household- storing water in bathtubs can be a drowning hazard-use large plastic storage tubs with snap-on lids.

After the storm- follow safety precautions using your generators- must be outside and away from windows/ventilation vents.

Alert Martin

Residents are also urged to sign-up to receive important public safety messages, evacuation notices and other timely warnings by phone, text, and/or email via the AlertMartin Emergency Alert System.

Community Information Center

Residents can call (772) 287-1652, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Radio Broadcast

During a declared emergency, Martin County-specific information is available by tuning to WQCS-88.9 FM at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Residents can also tune to MCTV on Comcast Channel 20 and U-verse Channel 99 for local information.

Sandbags-City of Stuart 

Days/Hours Thursday September 26 8:30 am -12 pm

Pre-staging “make your own" sandbag station for city residents

Location Sailfish Park, 600 Southeast Georgia Ave, across from the city garage complex.

*Pre-staging “make your own" sandbag station for city residents

*Limit of 8 sandbags per car/truck.

Sandbags will still be available for Martin County residents on Tuesday, October 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Halpatiokee Regional Park
8303 SW Lost River Rd
Stuart, FL 34997

Martin County residents are allowed up to 25 sandbags per residence, and we ask that you provide your name and address for documentation.

Staff will be available to assist in filling bags, but residents are encouraged to bring their own shovels to expedite the process.

When to put up shutters:

According to the National Weather Service's guide to wind speed, wind speeds of over 75 miles per hour can lift roofs and break windows. This means that for any storm with wind speeds above 75 miles per hour, your windows should be protected.

If a Hurricane Watch is issued- this means hurricane conditions of sustained 74 mph or higher are Possible.

If a Hurricane Warning is issued- this means sustained winds 74 mph or higher Are Expected.

Visit Ready.gov

Also visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/

for more pre and post hurricane/disaster information.

Shelters and Evacuation Martin County

NO EVACUATION ORDERS issued at this time- stay tune to your local media stations for up to the minute updates.

To familiarize yourself if needed visit https://www.martin.fl.us/EvacuationZones

FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
You must have a FEMA application number and approval from FEMA to participate in the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program. Use the hotel locator to find a participating hotel.

Once approved- If you have questions about TSA or need help locating a hotel, you may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week. Hours may be longer during high disaster activity. If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

General Shelters: (10-11-24) All Closed

General shelters will open on Wednesday, October 9 at noon:

• Port Salerno Elementary School, 3260 SE Lionel Terrace, Stuart

• Warfield Elementary School, 1526 SW 150th Street, Indiantown

  *Please see list of things to bring to shelter below.

Pet-friendly Shelter: (10-11-24) Closed

A pet-friendly shelter will be available for residents and their dogs and/or cats at Willoughby Learning Center, located at 5150 SE Willoughby Boulevard in Stuart. The shelter will open on Wednesday, October 9 at noon.

SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER have been closed as of 10-11-24

Special Needs Shelter to open 7 am Wednesday Oct 9th, David Anderson Middle School, 7000 SE Atlantic Ridge Dr, Stuart, FL 34997
online registration Register Online or call Emergency Management at (772) 287-1652
Click for Special Needs Shelter Details

FREE RIDES AVAILABLE to shelters:

 Both Lyft and Uber use code MILTONRELIEF

 Note the state is also announcing a shuttle number:  1-800-729-3413 should someone be in  evacuation zone.

Who Is Eligible?

• Martin County residents requiring transportation to and from a designated emergency shelter;

• Residents residing in an ordered evacuation area, recommended evacuation area, or unsafe residence (mobile/manufactured home), or;

• Residents requiring, within the limits of services provided, assistance with mobility, oxygen, routine medication administration, and/or routine health monitoring.

Special needs shelters are not able to provide enhanced medical care. Residents requiring greater levels of assistance such as a hospital bed, hemodialysis, life support equipment, IV chemotherapy, full ventilator, etc. must make alternative plans with the assistance of a physician or health care professional.

Click here for more info that includes what to bring to shelter:  https://www.martin.fl.us/Shelters

During storm activity- residents are strongly urged to shelter in place if safe to do so. It is safer at home.

SHELTERS- NOT ACTIVATED OR OPEN AT THIS TIME as of 10-8-24

• Willoughby Learning Center (Pet-friendly)-Address: 5150 SE Willoughby Blvd, Stuart, FL 34997

• Jensen Beach High School Address: 2875 NW Goldenrod Rd, Jensen Beach, FL 34957

• Anderson Middle School (Special needs) Address: 7000 SE Atlantic Ridge Dr, Stuart, FL 34997

For more information on shelters, please visit: www.martin.fl.us/Shelters

Find your evacuation zone: www.martin.fl.us/EvacuationZones

What to bring to the Shelter

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (i.e., Facial coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer)

• Three-day supply of water per person (i.e., three-gallons per person).

• Prescription and emergency medications; you must be able to take all medications by yourself.

• Special-diet foods (e.g., snacks and juices for those with dietary restrictions or allergies).

• Basic snacks.

• Bedding materials (e.g., pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, etc.).

• Comfortable clothing (at least two changes).

• Collapsible/folding beach chair or camp chair.

• Baby food, formula, bottles, diapers, blankets, & clothes.

• Flashlight, extra batteries.

• Cellphone, with a battery-operated charger.

• Radio with extra batteries and headphones.

• Important documents (identification, medical records, insurance information, deeds or leases, birth certificates and utility bills showing your home address).

• Photocopies of valuable documents.

• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures.

• Toiletries and personal hygiene items.

• Quiet games, books, playing cards, favorite toys, or other items for entertainment.

• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled.

• Chargers/cables for any electronic devices you bring - electrical outlets are limited.

Food & Water Martin County

Call 211 for local food pantries and meal sites

House of Hope is providing emergency resources to those impacted by Milton/Tornados
which include: Food, Clothing, & Financial Assistance.
Please contact them or click link for service center closest to you- (772) 286-4673

https://www.hohmartin.org/disasterrelief

Treasure Coast Food Bank

Phone: 772.489.3034 Fax: 772.489.5673

Email: info@tcfoodbank.org

Web: www.stophunger.org

Utilities Martin County

Florida Power & Light
800-226-3545

Martin County Utilities and Solid Waste
772-221-1434

 Garbage Collection Status: (posted 10-8-24)

Waste Management curbside collection services for unincorporated Martin County:

• Operating status: collection services – normal schedule. 

• Solid Waste Recycling & Transfer Station – open normal hours. 

For Waste Management service updates, visit https://www.wmfloridastorm.com

Debris tips:

If you have Hurricane Milton debris: Remember to separate storm debris into five categories:

1. Normal household trash: Your regular household waste and recyclables will not be collected with storm debris. Stick to your normal garbage removal schedule.

2. Vegetative debris: This includes vegetation such as leaves, logs, plants, and tree branches. Do NOT put yard waste in bags.

3. Construction and demolition debris: This category includes cabinets, counters, doors, drywall, lumber, roofing and shingles, tile windows, wood siding, and vanities.

4. Bulky Waste: Items such as carpet, furniture, mattresses, plastic/PVC pipe, privacy fencing, vinyl siding, and pressure-treated wood.

5. Appliances and white goods: This category includes air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators (remember to put food waste with household trash), stoves, washers and dryers, and water heaters.

Placement for pick up:

Place the separated debris at the edge of your property near the road. Do NOT block the roadway or storm water drains. Also, do NOT place debris under power lines and trees, or near poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility boxes, or other structures that can delay removal. Do NOT place debris on driveways or sidewalks, and do NOT mix household hazardous waste or electronics with other debris.

Bring them to the Proper Bailing and Recycling Facility in your area for proper disposal.

Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Martin County

SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER has been CLOSED

Special Needs Shelter to open 7 am Wednesday Oct 9th, David Anderson Middle School, 7000 SE Atlantic Ridge Dr, Stuart, FL 34997
online registration Register Online or call Emergency Management at (772) 287-1652
Click for Special Needs Shelter Details

Who Is Eligible?

• Martin County residents requiring transportation to and from a designated emergency shelter;

• Residents residing in an ordered evacuation area, recommended evacuation area, or unsafe residence (mobile/manufactured home), or;

• Residents requiring, within the limits of services provided, assistance with mobility, oxygen, routine medication administration, and/or routine health monitoring.

Special needs shelters are not able to provide enhanced medical care. Residents requiring greater levels of assistance such as a hospital bed, hemodialysis, life support equipment, IV chemotherapy, full ventilator, etc. must make alternative plans with the assistance of a physician or health care professional.

Click here for more info that includes what to bring to shelter:  https://www.martin.fl.us/Shelters

During storm activity- residents are strongly urged to shelter in place if safe to do so. It is safer at home.

Special Needs Evacuation Information
Click here for more info: https://www.martin.fl.us/SpecialNeeds

Pet Safety Martin County

Martin County's Designated Domestic Pet Shelter
https://hstc1.org/Disaster-Preparedness

Physical & Mental Health Martin County

Behavioral/Mental Health Resources - Dial 2-1-1

211 staff are available if you are feeling overwhelmed and need to talk, Dial 2-1-1 or Text your zip code to 898211

Florida Community Health Centers all locations are closed 10/9/2024 and 10/10/2024
Check website for re-opening dates www.fchcinc.org

Also ask 211 staff for additional resources from our database or do self-search by clicking on red “Get Help Now” button at the top of this page.

Mental Health Resources:

Charlie Health- Virtual Mental Health support during this challenging time & there is no waitlist. Call (866) 491-5196
Their group therapy sessions remain available to assist the community in any way they can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further support or have any questions. We’re here for you. Stay safe and take care. *Insurance:* We work with all major *Commercial* health plans, *TriCare*, and *Medicaids *(Sunshine, Molina, Aetna Better Health, Humana, Simply)

Florida State University
Helping families, communities, and providers to prepare for the storm and its aftermath.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network- resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. Click link below to view strategies and resources…

 FSU Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy

Locally

Tykes and Teens- the Stuart walk in facility is closing at noon Tuesday Oct 8th. All other locations will close at 2PM starting Tuesday Oct 8th. They will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. 

NAMI Martin County
https://namimartincounty.org/resources/

All Florida Department of Health in Martin County (DOH-Martin) offices will reopen with regular operation hours on Monday, October 14, 2024.

For more information, please call DOH-Martin at 772-221-4000.

West Palm Beach VA

In anticipation of Hurricane Milton impacting our local community within the next 36 hours, we continue to monitor and remain prepared for the expected impact.

As informed previously, all outpatient clinics, to include our Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Pharmacy, will be closed Thursday, October 10. Please plan accordingly:

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Tuesday, Oct. 8

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Wednesday, Oct. 9

• OUTPATIENT OPERATIONS CLOSED on Thursday, Oct. 10

• The Emergency Department will remain open and available.

• All face-to-face outpatient clinics are scheduled to be closed. Veterans will be offered virtual care options where available and scheduled procedures will be reviewed for appropriate rescheduling and care coordination.

• For appointments booked with Community Care, Veterans should contact their community providers directly for availability and alternate options.

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Friday, Oct. 11

We offer virtual care options that will allow you to continue to receive services from the comfort and safety of your home. For virtual medical care, Veterans can contact the 24/7 VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 or download the VA Health Chat app to connect with medical professionals.  

In addition to the Call Center and app, VA has activated the Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan through Heritage Health Solutions (HHS). Eligible patients with Veterans Health Identification (VHIC) in need of an emergency supply of medications can go to any retail pharmacy within the Heritage network with a written VA prescription or active VA prescription bottle, not older than 6 months and with refills available, to receive a 30-day supply (please be advised: this does not include controlled substances). To locate the closest HHS pharmacy and contact HHS, visit: https://va.hhspharmacy.com/locations/index.html.

 Children, Education & Schools Martin County

All MCSD-operated schools and offices have resumed normal operations.

Martin County School District
https://www.martinschools.org/

FEMA- Claims & Small Business Assistance Martin County

After the Storm

Reminding residents and businesses that unlicensed contractors from outside the area will be looking for those seeking speedy repairs. To avoid being taken advantage of or stuck with repairs/fines that you are responsible for, you should:

• Always hire a licensed contractor,

• Get at least three written quotes for any job,

• Never put down more than a 10 percent deposit.

To verify a license, you can visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com, and click verify a license or contact your County’s Contractor Licenses Division.

Help small businesses get back on their feet: https://floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz

Small Business Loans
Residents may also apply for an SBA Loan to help with recovery efforts by going to https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, zero interest working capital loans with fast approvals for businesses impacted by a disaster. Go to www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply.

Disaster Relief Applications & FEMA Assistance Residents whose homes or businesses have been damaged can apply for disaster relief funds through FEMA. You can begin your application at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or download the FEMA App. everyone is encouraged to document any property damage with photos and videos to assist with your claims.

Small Business Association
https://www.sba.gov/

Insurance Information

When a tropical storm or hurricane is projected to hit our state, the Florida Department of Financial Services activates a special consumer helpline for Floridians to seek assistance on insurance matters. The number is 1-800-22-STORM, or 1-800-227-8676. Hearing-impaired residents may use a TDD to call 1-800-640-0886.

• Florida Department of Financial Services web site

• After Disaster Checklist

• Disaster Insurance Assistance

• LÍNEA PARA ASISTENCIA SOBRE SEGUROS DURANTE UN DESASTRE

• www.myfloridacfo.com/division/ica/fullcoverage/homeowners 

• www.citizensfla.com/en/web/public/recovery-resources?

• cpicew_grid=MiltonHeleneRecovery

Transportation & Lodging Martin County

Reminder to motorists that all non-functioning traffic signals should be treated as a four-way stop.

https://tracker.gasbuddy.com/ can help locate operational gas stations after a storm

NOT IN OUR SERVICE AREA AT THIS TIME: Airbnb is offering temporary housing for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene & Milton

To see counties/states that are participating go to:  
https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-offers-temporary-housing-to-people-impacted-by-hurricane-helene/

MARTY Bus - Martin County Public Transit (MARTY) is currently in service- unless wind becomes prohibitive. (10-8-24)
For current information, visit the website.

Please listen to your local authorities regarding bridge and road closures.

Bridge Closures (posted 10-8-24 9 am)

The Hobe Sound Bascule and Old Roosevelt bridges will be locked in the down position today, October 8. Large boats will be unable to travel north/south in the Intracoastal Waterway or east/west in the Okeechobee Waterway following the lockdowns. There will be no impact to vehicular traffic.

The Hobe Sound Bascule Bridge will be locked down at noon

Old Roosevelt Bridge will be locked down at 4 p.m.

Click here to view Martin County Road & Bridge conditions/closures https://www.martin.fl.us/storm-updates

FREE RIDES AVAILABLE to shelters:

 Both Lyft and Uber use code MILTONRELIEF

 Note the state is also announcing a shuttle number:  1-800-729-3413 should someone be in  evacuation zone.

Local Government Offices Martin County

Martin County Emergency Management
For more information, visit the website.
Martin County Emergency Management at (772) 287-1652

Martin County's Community Information Center
Residents can call 772-287-1652, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Answers to many questions can also be found on our website.

Martin County Fire Rescue Emergency Management 
Visit the website or call 772-287-1652 for more information
Constitutional Government Offices

Beaches, Libraries, Parks & Recreation
For information on county facilities and beaches, click here.

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities Martin County

Need an account to see opportunities
https://voadflorida.wpengine.com/volunteer/

Volunteer Florida
www.volunteerflorida.org

United Way of Martin County
United Way is the lead agency for any community member or group who wants to volunteer in the post-disaster recovery in our community. Our team is also responsible for organizing, tracking, consolidating, and distributing all donations that may come into Martin County after a major disaster.
100% of your gift will go directly to assisting those in need. 
https://www.unitedwaymartin.org/Disaster

The Scripps Howard Fund Donations for Disaster Relief Fund - Hurricane Helene and MiltonScribbs will match every dollar donated up to $10,000 https://www.scrippsnews.com/relief

WPTV.Com/ReliefText 50155

 Before, During and After: 211 Helpline provides information on services for your everyday needs and in times of crisis. Call 2-1-1 or (866) 882-2991

211 Helpline - partners with emergency management services and local agencies in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast to get you the information needed to prepare, endure, and recover from adverse events.      

Be prepared. We encourage all individuals, families, organizations and businesses to take stock, plan and get prepared.  

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