What to Do After a Hurricane

  • Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
  • Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
  • If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
  • Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
  • Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
  • Stay out of any building that has water around it.
  • Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
  • Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
  • Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
  • Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
  • Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
  • Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
  • Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

As you rebuild

  • Secure double entry doors at the top and the bottom.
  • Strengthen existing garage doors to improve the wind resistance, particularly double- wide garage doors.
  • Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or one-half inch marine plywood that is pre-cut to fit your doors and windows.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and unnecessary pressure on the awnings.
  • Select trees that are not as subject to uprooting to replace damaged ones. A gardening or landscaping professional can give you excellent advice.
  • Identify a place to store lawn furniture, toys, gardening tools and trash cans that is away from stairs and exits to prevent them from being moved by high winds and becoming missiles.

Ask a professional to

  • Ensure roof sheathing is properly installed.
  • Ensure end gables are securely fastened to the rest of the roof.
  • Fasten the roof to the walls with hurricane straps.
  • Elevate your home if it is near the coast and subject to flooding from storm surge.

Let Your Family Know You’re Safe

If your community has experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well web site to let your family and friends know about your welfare. You may also call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.


Indian River County Important Phone Numbers:

Law Enforcement/Fire/Ambulance 911

Emergency Services Public Information Ling
(activated during Disasters)
772-567-2129

Hospital Indian River Medical Center 772-567-4311

Hospital Sebastian River Medical Center 772-589-3186

Indian River County Dept of Emergency Services 772-567-2154

Emergency Management Offices 772-567-8000

American Red Cross 772-562-2549

Indian River County Building Dept. 772-226-1260

FP&L 800-4-OUTAGE

Vero Beach Utilities 772-978-5100

Salvation Army 800-725-2769

Government Access Channel 27 (Cable) 772-226-3852

Photo Courtesy of Indian River County Sheriff’s Department

Nikki Kalin
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