After a Disaster

Recovering from a disaster can be overwhelming. Knowing what to do and where to find reliable information can help you, your family, or your business move through the recovery process.

Martin County Emergency Management connects residents and businesses with local, state, and federal resources for safety, damage assessment, debris cleanup, financial assistance, rebuilding, and other recovery needs. The information below provides guidance and resources to support you in the aftermath of a disaster.

Safety After a Disaster

After a disaster, hazards may remain even after the storm or other emergency has passed. Take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and others as you begin cleanup and recovery.

After a storm, follow these tips to stay healthy and safe:

  • Avoid floodwater, which may contain harmful contaminants, sewage, debris, or other hazards.
  • Do not enter flooded buildings until they have been determined to be safe.
  • Clean wounds promptly and keep them away from floodwater and other contaminated water.
  • Always practice good hygiene, wash hands with clean water and soap.
  • Use protective gear during cleanup such as gloves, boots, and N95 masks.
  • Avoid open flames, use flashlights instead of candles when possible.
  • Work with others when completing cleanup activities, take regular breaks, and stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.

Portable generators can provide temporary electricity during a power outage, including for essential equipment and appliances. Generators, grills, and gas-powered appliances can also create serious hazards if used improperly.

Follow these safety precautions:

  • Never operate a generator, grill, or gas stove inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area.
  • Operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your home, doors, windows, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) from entering your home. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific generator. 
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended distance from your home.
  • Keep generators dry and do not operate them in rain or wet conditions.
  • Allow the generator to cool before refueling.
  • Store generator fuel in an approved safety container and away from ignition sources.
  • If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move outdoors to fresh air immediately and call 9-1-1.

For additional guidance, learn more about safe generator use from the American Red Cross.

A disaster or power outage can affect the safety of your drinking water and food. The County may issue a boil water notice if the public water supply may be contaminated. Learn more about boil water notices in Martin County.

Discard perishable food that has not been refrigerated or frozen due to power outage of more than 4 hours, any food that came in contact with flood or stormwater, or any food with unusual odor, color, or texture.

For more information about what is safe to keep and eat and what isn’t, visit FoodSafety.gov.

Standing water left after a storm can create mosquito breeding areas, while displaced or injured animals may pose additional risks.

What to Expect After a Disaster

If you evacuated your home because of an emergency, be patient and follow official instructions before returning. You may not be allowed to return immediately after a storm or other disaster. Hazards such as downed power lines, flooding, damaged roads, and debris may need to be addressed before an area can safely reopen.

Once officials announce that it is safe to return:

  • Residents should carry a valid photo ID showing current address
  • Businesses must provide a valid ID, proof of business ownership or rental, tax receipts, and a letter authorizing access.
  • Avoid driving through flooded roads. Water may conceal debris, damaged roads, or other hazards.

Before entering your home, walk around the property and look for visible damage or hazards. Use extreme caution when entering a damaged building and open doors and windows for ventilation when it is safe to do so. If your home has flooded, do not turn on electricity until the electrical system has been inspected by a qualified professional.

Be alert for:

  • Gas leaks: If you smell gas or hear hissing, evacuate and call 9-1-1.
  • Wet equipment or appliances: shut off electricity at the main breaker.
  • Water or sewage leaks: turn off the main water valve.
  • Contaminated food: When in doubt, throw it out.
  • Chemical spills or sewage: Avoid contact and follow appropriate cleanup and disinfection guidance.
  • Insurance documentation: photograph damage and save all receipts.

After a storm has passed and it is safe to begin cleanup, separate disaster debris from regular household garbage. Martin County Public Works manages disaster debris removal in accordance with FEMA guidelines. Collection schedules and recovery updates will be shared as they become available following a storm event.

To help speed up cleanup and ensure safe and efficient removal, please separate storm debris into the following six categories when placing it curbside:

  1. Vegetative debris: Tree branches, limbs, leaves, and plants
  2. Construction debris: Building materials, carpeting, mattresses, and furniture
  3. Household appliances: Refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers
  4. Electronics: Televisions, computers, phones, and other electronic devices
  5. Household hazardous waste: Paints, oils, pesticides, batteries, and cleaners
  6. Household garbage: Everyday waste such as food, paper, and packaging. Place household garbage in secured bags or containers and keep it separate from storm debris.

After a disaster and when it is safe to do so, Martin County will conduct life-safety assessments in affected areas to identify immediate hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, structural damage, and floodwaters. Local, state, and federal agencies may also conduct damage assessments of homes and commercial properties.

You can help in this process by thoroughly documenting all structural and personal property losses with photos, reporting damages quickly to Martin County Emergency Management and filing insurance claims before applying for other state and federal assistance.

Rebuilding After a Disaster

If your home, vehicle, or other property has been damaged, document the damage with photographs and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

After a disaster, critical safety repairs like putting up roof tarps, boarding windows, or clearing debris can usually start immediately without a permit. However, permanent structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical repairs may require a permit, 

Before beginning permanent repairs, check with the Martin County Building Department to determine whether a permit is required and what requirements apply to your project.

If your home or property has been damaged, take steps to protect yourself when hiring contractors or making repairs.

  • Be cautious of unsolicited offers or “leftover material” deals.
  • Get multiple written estimates before hiring a contractor and verify that contractors are properly licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
  • Ask for proof of insurance and bonding and request references.
  • Avoid paying the full cost of a project upfront.
  • Do not sign off on completed work until you have inspected it and are satisfied that the work has been completed as agreed.
  • Request lien releases from contractors and subcontractors to help protect yourself from potential payment disputes.
  • Report suspected scams or price gouging to the Florida Attorney General's Office at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).

Contact Us

For questions about disaster recovery or help finding available resources, contact Martin County Emergency Management at (772) 287-1652.