Emergency Preparedness

Florida is somewhat notorious as a place "targeted" by tropical storms and hurricanes, but the state also regularly plays reluctant host to a variety of other natural disasters. Other common disasters include flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, sinkholes, and heat waves, often occurring during specific seasons due to the state's geography, flat terrain, and porous limestone foundation. It's important to note that some of these can occur in conjunction with tropical cyclone activity.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: These are a primary concern in Florida, bringing high winds, heavy rainfall, and devastating storm surges that cause widespread flooding. Tornadoes can accompany these storms.

Flooding: Due to its flat terrain and low elevation, Florida is highly susceptible to coastal, riverine, and inland flooding.

Tornadoes: Tornadoes are common in Florida. 

Extreme Heat and Drought: Periods of extreme heat and drought can occur, and these can be dangerous. 

Wildfires: During the dry season, dry conditions and frequent lightning storms contribute to the risk of wildfires, especially in forested and rural areas. 

Sinkholes: Florida's unique geology, with a foundation of porous limestone, makes it prone to sudden and dangerous sinkholes. 

There are two kinds of alerts and it's important to understand the difference:

• A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher) are possible in a stated area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) to start.
• A hurricane warning is more serious. It means hurricane-force winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.

Tropical storms and hurricanes are named in alphabetical order starting with the letter A every year. The names are always chosen in advance and include both traditionally male and female names. These can be helpful from a communication standpoint, especially when there is more than one disturbance in the Atlantic basin. Tropical depressions aren't named, but do receive identifying numbers.

• Get/Check Insurance: Before disaster strikes, it’s important to verify your property is adequately insured. Review your policy to understand exactly what it covers and, more importantly, what it excludes. Be aware that damage from external flooding is usually not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy and may need to be obtained separately. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program has a 30-day waiting period from sign-up to effectiveness. Speak with your insurance agent to ensure your property is appropriately covered. Next, create a comprehensive home inventory. This detailed inventory of your belongings is crucial for proving your loss after a disaster. Document thoroughly: include photos and/or video of your possessions and the condition of each room, list the purchase date, original cost, serial number, and an estimate of its current value. For high-value items like art or jewelry, save receipts and appraisals. Keep the inventory updated.
• Create a Plan: Have a family emergency plan, including meeting spots and out-of-state contacts. Review the Indian River County Preparedness Guide.
• Prepare a Kit: Assemble your disaster supply kit with a minimum of seven days' worth of supplies. Please see below for more details regarding what to include in the kit.
• Sign up for Indian River County Emergency Alerts: Sign up for emergency notifications by text, email, or phone and always have the latest emergency information from the County’s Emergency Operations Center. Keep your profile up to date to ensure you don’t miss out on crucial alerts.
• Secure Your Home: Trim trees (unless it is too late to remove such landscape materials – do not create loose debris!), secure loose outdoor items, and install hurricane shutters or plywood.
• Stay Informed: Know your evacuation zone watch for instructions from Indian River County Emergency Management.

• Water: One gallon per person per day for at least seven days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food: A two-week supply of non-perishable, ready-to-eat food, including for infants and pets, as may be necessary. Pack (disposable) cups, plates and utensils, and paper towels.
• First-aid kit: Including bandages, antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Consider whether feminine supplies or baby diapers will be necessary.
• Tools: Flashlight, extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, can opener, whistle to signal for help, and a wrench to turn off utilities.
• Sanitation: Toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and garbage bags.
• Important Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and other vital records in a waterproof container.
• Communication: Phone chargers. An extra cell phone battery may be useful if there is a loss of power.
• Funds: Make sure your kit includes cash in case electronic/credit card payments are not available during or after the disaster.
• Additional Items: Don’t forget to consider books, games, puzzles, etc. A distraction can often be welcome before, during and after a disaster. 

Consider whether your kit works for your needs whether you’re sheltering in place or evacuating. Remember that which you end up choosing may change during the course of a disaster. Be prepared in either scenario! And be flexible to change your mind based on evolving circumstances. 

If you’re sheltering in place, have at hand a fire extinguisher, matches and candles, garbage bags, water with which to flush/wash (fill the bathtub or fill a few buckets in advance of impact). 

The main point of concern on an active construction site regards materials which may become airborne projectiles during a storm or become post-storm debris with negative impacts to the community and environment. Equally important are those parts of unfinished construction not yet hurricane-ready which may collapse or otherwise fail during a storm. To prepare your construction site, please take all these steps:

• Remove construction materials offsite or secure them on site
• Clear jobsites of trash and debris
• Empty or securely cover dumpsters
• Remove or secure portable toilets and trailers
• Don't schedule new materials for delivery during storm warning/watch periods
• Brace any unstable construction
• Ensure Town Staff has up-to-date contact information for all contractors and sub-contractors

Please contact the Building Department at (772) 581-2770, extension 3, with any questions or if you observe an unsecured job site in advance of a storm.​

The Indian River County Emergency Management team will endeavor to keep you informed before, during and after a a natural disaster. Staying abreast of the latest developments ensures you are in the best position to be prepared to implement your emergency action plan. If an event appears to impact Indian River County or our surrounding counties, an alert is sent to subscribers of the County's Emergency Notification System. You are urged to sign up for emergency alerts. Once you have a profile, be sure to check it annually to update any changed contact information. 

The County may also activate an emergency hotline. The Emergency Operations Center's website is updated throughout activation with this and more information. If you're dealing with a personal emergency, please call 911 for assistance. The National Weather Service (Melbourne Office) provides weather forecasts with an emphasis on our area of Florida.

When consulting other sources, please ensure they're reputable. Social media can be great, but be careful that the source is appropriate. The National Weather Service (Melbourne Office) and Indian River County have good Facebook pages that are worth following, for example.  

Evacuation orders are issued by Indian River County Emergency Management based on the specific threat to your area, primarily storm surge. It is essential to know your evacuation zone and stay tuned to local news and official alerts. If you live in the Town of Orchid, you are in Evacuation Zone A. See this interactive map, which also shows evacuation routes.

Follow the instructions immediately. Leave early to avoid traffic and get to a safe location, such as a friend or family member's home outside the evacuation zone, a hotel, or a public shelter.

Indian River County offers many General Population Shelters, but not all will be used for every emergency. Information about which locations are actually open will be provided by Indian River County press releases, social media, and on the Indian River County Emergency Management website. Please note that shelters are only opened when an evacuation order is issued. 

Below are listed General Population Shelters. Not all may be open at the same time; Check the Indian River County Emergency Management website for information.

Fellsmere Elementary School
50 North Cypress Street
Fellsmere, Florida 32948

Pelican Island Elementary School
1355 Schumann Drive
Sebastian, Florida 32958

Sebastian Elementary School
400 County Road 512
Sebastian, Florida 32958

Sebastian River Middle School
9400 County Road 512
Sebastian, Florida 32958

Sebastian River High School
9001 90th Avenue
Sebastian, Florida 32958

Storm Grove Middle School
6400 57th Street
Vero Beach, Florida 32967 

Gifford Middle School
4530 28th Court
Gifford, Florida 32967

Glendale Elementary School
4940 8th Street
Vero Beach, Florida 32960

V.B.H.S. Freshman Learning Center
1507 19th Street
Vero Beach, Florida 32960

Vero Beach Elementary School
1770 12th Street
Vero Beach, Florida 32960 

Indian River Academy
500 20th Street SW
Vero Beach, Florida 32962

Oslo Middle School
480 20th Avenue SW
Vero Beach, Florida 32962

Osceola Magnet School
1110 18th Avenue S.W.
Vero Beach, Florida 32962

General Population Shelter: Many individuals with disabilities can be safely accommodated in a general population shelter. If you are mobile, have your own supplies, and do not need specialized medical assistance, this may be a suitable option.

Special Needs Shelter: This is the correct choice if you are medically stable but require limited medical or technical assistance (e.g., oxygen, nebulizer, assistance with medications).

Hospital: If you require continuous medical monitoring, are seriously ill, or have a condition that may become unstable during the emergency, you should go to a hospital.

Special needs shelters are for individuals with medical or physical conditions that require support beyond what a general population shelter can provide but who do not need hospitalization. This includes individuals who rely on electricity for medical equipment, require assistance with daily tasks, or need assistance with medication administration. These shelters are not hospitals and do not provide continuous, one-on-one medical care. Consider whether a hospital is more appropriate for your needs.

It is highly recommended to pre-register online with the Special Needs Registry. This confidential list helps Indian River County Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Health plan for your needs.

You can register through the Indian River County Emergency Management office. You can also find information on the Florida Department of Health website's Special Needs Registry page.

For assistance with the registration process, contact Indian River County Emergency Management at (772) 567-2154 or the Florida Department of Health in Indian River at (772) 794-7440.

There is only one special needs shelter, which is located at Treasure Coast Elementary School, 8955 85^th St, Sebastian, FL 32958. If you have further questions the Special Needs Shelter Information page will provide additional information. Another benefit of the special needs shelter is transportation and assistance with medical equipment if necessary.

Medical staff will review the application to make sure the assistance you require is available at the Special Needs Shelter. In some cases, an applicant may be referred to one of our local hospitals for assistance because the medical condition exceeds the ability of the shelter. If your application meets the criteria, you will be provided instructions on what to do should a disaster threaten Indian River County. 

Do not wait until the last minute; register now if you will need special medical assistance.

Whether you are evacuating or sheltering in place, make sure you have sufficient supplies for your pet(s) when preparing your Disaster Supply Kit. Food and water are paramount, but also consider packing a leash or storing a carrier with your kit. If your pet needs medication(s), make sure to add that to your pre-disaster checklist. If you plan to shelter in place, keep in mind that your animal may need to be able to relieve itself indoors - hurricanes can take a long time!

If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home, it’s not safe for your pet(s) either. Indian River County provides a designated pet-friendly shelter at Liberty Magnet School at 6850 81st Street in Vero Beach. The Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County helps manage this shelter, which is for people with pet(s) only. If that location fills up, a backup location will be arranged. Please check the county website and/or listen for media and social media announcements for any changes to the shelter that may occur.

Space in the pet-friendly shelter will be on a first-come-first-served basis  Completing the registration form prior to your arrival will make the check-in process easier and more efficient - fill the form in now and make it part of your Disaster Supply Kit! 

• Pet Evacuation Shelter General Information Packet 

If you have any questions, contact the Humane Society at www.hsvb.org or (772) 388-3331or Indian River County Animal Control at (772) 226-4799. 

Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.

Have enough nonperishable food and water outside of your freezer and refrigerator. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Use coolers with ice if necessary. 

Without electricity, the refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours and a full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours if left unopened. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher, or if the food has been at room temperature for two hours. Throw away any food that has been in contact with floodwater, regardless of the temperature of the food.

Tip: Place a quarter on top of a frozen cup of water in the freezer in advance of the disaster. This can inform you afterward whether the freezer was without power for a length of time. If the quarter is (partially) sunk, proceed with caution! And when in doubt, throw it out!

Have ample bottled water available in advance of the storm. Bear in mind that tap water may not be available following the storm for a period of time. 

Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards. NEVER use a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows. Use it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from your home.

These are important safety measures you should take:

• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages.
• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home
• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock
• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords
• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully

Avoid contact with floodwater, which can contain raw sewage and other hazardous materials. Do not use your plumbing system until officials have confirmed that the municipal sewer system is functional.

Follow Orders: Obey all evacuation and shelter-in-place orders from officials.

Stay Indoors: If sheltering in place, stay away from windows and doors.

Turn off Utilities: Turn off the main water, electricity, and gas valves if you suspect damage or are instructed to do so.

Stay alert when a tornado warning is issued. To recognize a tornado's approach, watch for signs like a dark or greenish sky, a rotating wall cloud, a loud roar resembling a freight train, large hail, or a sudden calm after a storm. Remember that hurricanes can bring tornadoes. 

During a tornado, immediately seek shelter in the safest available location, such as a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Get under a heavy table or workbench for added protection from falling debris. Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and use pillows or a helmet to protect your head and neck. Stay away from windows. 

If you're caught outside with no sturdy shelter, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head with your arms; avoid taking shelter near trees. Do not seek shelter in a vehicle, because it can be easily lifted or tossed by tornado winds, offering little protection from the powerful forces and flying debris. Tornadoes can move quickly and unpredictably, making it dangerous to try to drive away or outrun the impacts.

Tropical storms and hurricanes can bring flood hazards, but flooding is also possible during heavy rain events unrelated to tropical disturbances. 

If it is safe to do so in advance of water reaching your house, turn off the main power and the water supply. But, do not walk through water to reach electrical or water shutoffs. 

Seek higher ground. 

If it is safe to leave your property to seek higher ground, you should do so, but stay out of flood waters, which are often contaminated and may be hiding dangerous debris. Do not drive through floodwaters; the force of moving water can easily sweep a car away, even if it is only inches deep. Dangerous debris and damaged infrastructure can be hidden in floodwaters. Even small amounts of water can cause a car to stall, leaving you stranded in a bad situation. 

If you cannot leave your property, immediately go to the highest livable level of your home, but do not enter into an enclosed space from which there is no egress, such as an attic. If you can and only if it is absolutely necessary for your safety, get to the roof and signal for help. While waiting, stay calm and be aware of electrical hazards and potential contaminants in the floodwater. 

• Ensure Safety: Wait for the All-Clear: Do not return to your home until officials announce it is safe. Avoid Hazards: Stay away from downed power lines, damaged structures, and standing water, which may be contaminated. Do not enter your home until you are certain it is safe. Watch for structural damage, live electrical wires, and gas leaks.
• Document Damage: Take extensive photos and videos of all damage to your home and personal property.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider: File a claim as soon as possible.
• Make Temporary Repairs: To prevent further damage, secure your property with temporary fixes (e.g., covering a broken window). Keep all receipts.
• Clean Up Debris: Follow the specific instructions from the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Community Association for sorting and placing debris for collection.
• Find a Licensed Contractor: Be cautious of unlicensed contractors. After a disaster, unlicensed contractors are looking for easy victims! Verify a contractor's license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Obtain proper permits before starting any repairs for which a permit is required!
• Apply for Assistance: If you need help, apply for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Red Cross, and other relief organizations.
• Continue to stay updated. There is much to be aware of after a disaster. Continue to monitor for alerts and stay informed. Save phone calls for emergencies if you have no ability to recharge your phone.

Look out for hazards! Carefully consider whether entering your home is safe. If it is safe to enter your home, assess and document the damage to your property. Do not walk in standing water in or outside of your home. Flood waters can play host to numerous unseen dangers. Remove all water. Clean and disinfect. Ventilate and dry. Dispose of unsafe items. 

• National Weather Service
• National Hurricane Center
• Centers for Disease Control - Hurricanes
• Florida Department of Emergency Management
• Indian River County Emergency Management
• Evacuation Shelter Information

Take photos or videos of all damage to your home and belongings. Make a detailed list of all damaged or lost items, including make, model, and serial numbers. Contact your insurance company immediately to file a claim. 

If your home has suffered structural damage, seek to stay elsewhere! Contact the Building Department if damage to your home is severe by calling (772) 581-2770 or emailing buildingclerk [at] townoforchid.com (buildingclerk[at]townoforchid[dot]com). An inspector on behalf of the Town may need to assess the damage to the property.

You can also report damage to your home (not to the landscaping or other structures on your property) to Indian River County to assist in the overall evaluation of community damage. This information is invaluable to the County as it assesses disaster impacts and communicates with State and Federal officials in an effort to obtain assistance. Be detailed in your description and remember that the County is only interested in damage to your home that potentially impacts its livability. 

Contact Town of Orchid’s Building Department for information on the permitting process. Phone (772) 581-2770 or email buildingclerk [at] townoforchid.com (buildingclerk[at]townoforchid[dot]com).

A post-disaster permitting guide will be available to help you with the necessary steps for repairs and rebuilding, ensuring compliance with all building codes.

Pursuant to Section 553.792 Florida Statutes, the Town of Orchid’s Building Department will expedite the processing of building permits, including plan review, of any applications required by law to be expedited. 

If a state of emergency for an area including the Town is declared by the Governor due to a natural disaster that impacts the Town's structures, building permit applications submitted to the Building Department following that natural disaster shall be expedited if such applications regard projects necessitated by impacts of that natural disaster and do not require technical review, including roof repairs, reroofing, electrical repairs, service changes, or the replacement of one window or one door. Applicants must notify the Building Clerk when a permit application regards a project necessitated by an eligible natural disaster and qualifies for expedited processing at the time of application. Such applications shall be given priority over other building permit applications in regard to plan review, permit issuance, and inspection.

Furthermore, the valid period remaining under an issued building permit may be extended for the duration of the emergency declaration and an additional 24 months, if the holder of the permit, within 90 days of the termination of the emergency declaration, notifies the Building Department in writing of the intent to exercise the aforementioned extension of permit validity, unless the permit has already expired, or he/she is in significant and documented, noncompliance with the conditions of the permit. The extended period to exercise the rights under a building permit may not exceed 48 months in total in the event of multiple natural emergencies for which the Governor declares a state of emergency.

Long before alerts may be sent out regarding a natural disaster, it's important to check that your insurance policies include exactly the coverage you need. Hurricanes, for example, bring a variety of hazards, such as high winds, tornadoes, flooding, storm surge, etc. However, specific "hurricane coverage" does not exist. A standard property insurance policy often doesn't include coverage for damage from wind-driven waters, storm surge, or flooding. A combination of different policies, such as homeowners, flood, and windstorm insurance, may be necessary to achieve sufficient coverage for your barrier island property in Orchid. Your insurance agent will be able to assist you in double-checking your current coverage. 

For flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program it is important to be aware that there is a 30-day waiting period. By the time an area is at risk of imminent flooding, it is likely too late to gain timely coverage through the program. Your insurance agent will be able to assist you with this federal program. 

It's prudent to double-check your auto insurance policy includes coverage for damage that may be incurred during a storm or natural disaster too, such as due to flooding, tree fall, or flying debris. 

Keep all insurance paperwork with other important documents in a location where it is easily taken with you in case of evacuation. You should also create and take with you documentation of your possessions, such as an inventory with receipts and photographs. Taking video of every room prior to evacuation is helpful in making a post-storm insurance claim. 

Contact your insurance company promptly to start the claims process. Be diligent. If the disaster's impacts were widespread, it's likely your insurance company is fielding many calls and processing many claims at the same time. Keep documentation of pre-storm conditions, post-storm conditions, and any work undertaken to secure the property.

Disaster debris is the responsibility of homeowners and the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Community Association. Property owners are encouraged to work with private landscapers to remove vegetative debris. Debris that is akin to regular trash and that fits into a trash cart will be collected by the Town trash hauler, when regular trash collection is able to resume. Outsize debris including household goods (which may include hazardous waste) and construction materials is to be coordinated through the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Community Association. When bringing debris to the roadside or to the Disaster Debris Management Site (only if activated!), please first separate types of debris. 

• Indian River County Emergency Management: Provides local guidance and assistance.
• Florida Department of Health in Indian River: Coordinates health and medical response.
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities: Provides services and support for individuals with disabilities.
• American Red Cross Palm Beach and Treasure Coast: Offers disaster relief and resources.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Provides various forms of federal aid.
• Small Business Administration: Provides low-interest loans to impacted businesses and private individuals.
• Town of Orchid’s Building Department: Assists with damage assessments and issued building permits.

After a disaster, you can apply for federal disaster assistance from FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling (800) 621-3362. This is only applicable if the President issues a major disaster declaration which activates FEMA.

The Federal Small Business Administration is able to offer low interest loans to business owners and private individuals to help them recover from a disaster. Call (800) 659-2955 for information.

For state assistance, contact the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at (800) 342-3557. 

Pace yourself. Recovering from a disaster is a gradual and stressful process. Take breaks, and ask for help from neighbors, friends, or relief organizations. Following a disaster, others may be experiencing the same feelings you are - you are not alone! Seek emotional support. If you or your family struggle with feelings of despair, seek professional help, such as counseling.