Road to Readiness

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30.

Martin County would like to remind residents about the importance of being prepared and developing a family disaster plan should a hurricane threaten our area.

Download our Road to Readiness Guide and Disaster Supply Checklist to make sure you are prepared.

During a declared emergency, residents can obtain Martin County-specific information by tuning to WQCS 88.9 FM at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and WSTU 1450 AM throughout the day. Local information is also televised on Comcast Channel 20 and on U-verse Channel 99.

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

About Hurricanes

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a generic term for a low-pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface. Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the 1 to 5 rating on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

Remember: Don't judge the severity of a storm based on the category. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based only on a hurricane's maximum sustained wind speed. This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surge, rainfall flooding and tornadoes.

Saffir-Simpson Scale for Hurricane Classifications:

Category

Wind Speed

Damage

1

74-95 MPH

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

2

96-110 MPH

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.

3

111-129 MPH

Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

4

130-156 MPH

Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes could sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

5

157+ MPH

Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

 Non-Hurricane Classifications

Tropical Depression

< 38 MPH

Tropical Storm

39-73 MPH

 Source: National Hurricane Center

2022 Atlantic hurricane names provided by the National Hurricane Center:

  • Alex
  • Bonnie
  • Colin
  • Danielle
  • Earl
  • Fiona
  • Gaston
  • Hermine
  • Ian
  • Julia
  • Karl
  • Lisa
  • Martin
  • Nicole
  • Owen
  • Paula
  • Richard
  • Shary
  • Tobias
  • Virginie
  • Walter

In the event that more than 21 named storms occur in the Atlantic basin in a season, any additional storms will take names from an alternate list approved by the World Meteorological Organization.

A map depicting the Martin County Evacuation Zones

Know Your Zone

Storm surge evacuation zones are determined by the National Hurricane Center and indicate areas that will be affected by storm surge, which officials may order evacuated during a hurricane. Evacuation zones in Martin County are identified as AB, CD and E, and some areas are not located in any evacuation zone.

Find Your Evacuation Zone

In the video below, Martin County Emergency Management discusses storm surge safety and how storm surges can impact you and your family. Learn more about storm surge evacuation zones and the difference between storm surge watch and warnings to help keep you and your family safe.

 

Video en Español.

Martin County Evacuation Zones include AB, CD, E

Zone AB: includes the barrier islands and most low-lying areas along the coast. These areas are likely to be inundated by storm surge of up to 6 feet. The zones progress inland as you get further from the coast and higher in elevation.

Zone CD: is likely to be inundated by storm surge of up to 13 feet.

Zone E: is likely to be inundated by storm surge of up to 16 feet.

Low-Lying Areas:

It is important to understand that if your home or property is not located in an evacuation zone, but is located in a low-lying or flood-prone inland area, you may also experience flooding impacts associated with a tropical storm or hurricane. In other words, a home may be located outside of an evacuation zone, yet still be susceptible to flooding because of a nearby stream or pond. 

what's the difference?

Evacuation zones are NOT the same as flood zones, though they are often mistaken for each other. Evacuation zones and flood zones have different purposes and measure different conditions that may not occur at the same time. A home may be located in a non-evacuation zone, yet still be located in a high-risk flood zone because of a nearby stream or pond. 

EVACUATION ZONES

FLOOD ZONES

Used to determine extent of coastal storm surge

Used to determine flood insurance rates

These zones are determined by the National Hurricane Center and indicate areas that may be inundated by an abnormal rise of water pushed onto shore by a hurricane or storm event. Storm surge zone maps are used to determine evacuations.

Storm surge evacuation zones are different from flood zones. Evacuation zones are used only in emergencies to move away from a dangerous storm. When a storm/hurricane is approaching, it’s time to know your evacuation zone.

Evacuation zones in Martin County are identified as AB, CD and E, and some areas of the county are not located in any evacuation zone.

Flood zones are geographic areas that FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk. Various sources of flooding include but are not limited to: riverine, poor drainage, sheet flow, coastal, storms, etc.

Flood zone maps (which are officially called Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRMs), are used to determine flood insurance premium rates and some building code requirements.

By law, flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgaged homes residing in flood zones beginning with the letters A or V. These zones are known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
Find Your Evacuation Zone Find Your Flood Zone

Emergency Shelters

Shelters are opened as needed during an emergency, and not all shelters may be opened at the same time. Shelters are designed to house residents of the barrier islands, those in low-lying or flood-prone areas, in evacuation zones, mobile or manufactured homes, or those who have no other sheltering options. Your first, best choice is to stay with family or friends in a safe place.

For additional information about shelters including what to bring and pet sheltering, please select the "shelter information" button below. To view emergency shelter locations in Martin County including open/closure status, select "shelter locations." 

Special Needs Registry

The Martin County Special Needs Registry and Evacuation Transportation Assistance Program provides assistance to eligible citizens in times of disaster or when an evacuation has been ordered. This assistance may include sheltering at a general shelter or a special needs shelter that includes limited medical oversight and needs such as oxygen, as well as evacuation transportation to and from the shelter.

When evacuation orders are issued within the county, registrants are contacted and advised when transportation will arrive to pick them up from their home and take them to a shelter. The program also provides for citizens in need of transportation due to economic difficulties, a disability or lack of transportation from their home to a shelter. Residents must PRE-REGISTER and must RENEW each year.

Eligibility for evacuation transportation assistance:

  • 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.

Residents requiring greater levels of assistance than can be provided by this service 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.

To register for evacuation transportation assistance:

A committee reviews each application and determines eligibility of the applicant. Individuals with medical needs that exceed the level of care available at the Special Needs Shelter need to have a care plan in place to address their individual needs during an emergency situation.

Individuals with no medical needs who just require transportation during evacuation orders will be transported to a general population shelter.

Emergency Alerts

AlertMartin:

AlertMartin is a free service that allows Emergency Management, Fire Rescue, Utilities, Martin County Sheriff's Office and municipal partners to send public safety messages, evacuation and other timely warnings by text, phone or email. Text the word ALERTMARTIN to 888777, or sign up online.

Connect Martin App:

You may also download the free Connect Martin app, the official app of Martin County, available for both iOS and Android devices. Connect Martin will send you important safety alerts, provides instant access to resources and is completely customizable. App Store | Google Play

 

 

FPL Resources

This section features helpful resources and information provided by Florida Power & Light (FPL) such as how to report a power outage, how to track the status of an outage and generator safety tips to help keep you and your family safe during and after a storm impacts our area.

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Report a Power Outage

Report or check the status of a power outage. 

Learn more About Report a Power Outage
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FPL Power Tracker

Launch interactive map to view outage and restoration progress.

Learn more About FPL Power Tracker
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Generator Safety

View private generation system safety tips to help keep you safe.

Learn more About Generator Safety

Contact Emergency Management

Martin County Emergency Management
800 SE Monterey Road
Stuart, Florida, 34994
(772) 287-1652

Contact Us