• Learn the types of disasters most likely to occur in your community. Consider purchasing a weather radio (specific area message encoding) to alert you of severe weather conditions.
• Have enough supplies for at least five days (optimally two weeks).
• Know how, when, and where to shut off water, gas, and electricity at the main sources of your home. Store your utility service providers' phone numbers in your cell phone for easy access.
• Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage, for example, is not always covered by homeowners' insurance.
• Contact your child's school or daycare to determine the facility's emergency notification and evacuation plans. Ask what type of authorization is required to release a child to someone else if you are not available to pick them up.
• Plan your evacuation route.
• Make arrangements for pets or livestock in advance. Ensure your pet is up-to-date on immunizations, has a license tag and collar, and use a break-away collar for cats. Micro-chipping your pet is recommended.
• Identify the safest area to take shelter during a disaster event. The safest area may not be your home, so be aware of the location of the closest shelter.
• Plan how your family will stay in touch if you become separated. Select an out-of-state contact for your family.
• Include your children in the planning process and discuss any fears they may have.
• Share information with your family. Practice your plan and evacuation route.

• It is essential to prepare your home to make it as safe as possible during a disaster event.
• Be sure to check your home owner's and flood insurance policies before the storm hits.

• Have trees on your property inspected and trimmed if necessary.
• Purchase window covering materials, tarps, or other supplies ahead of time.
• Verify insurance coverage.
• Take pictures or videos of the inside and outside of your home if it is damaged.
• Install prominent and visible address numbers on your house.
• Secure lawn and/or pool furniture, potted plants, and other potential flying objects.
• Be sure to have vegetative debris at the curbside well before a storm is projected to make landfall in our area. 

• Get enough rest, and take breaks when you need them.
• Set goals to help tackle obstacles.
• Talk with your family and friends about concerns or frustrations.
• Be patient with yourself and others.
• Remember that you are not alone and that resources are available to help you.

• Water: one gallon per day, per person. Store more for children, nursing mothers, pets, and those with special needs (sealed bottled water is best).
• Food: a two-week supply is best.
  • ◦Canned goods: soup, meat, fruit, and vegetables
  • ◦Salt, sugar, pepper, spices
  • ◦Powdered milk
  • ◦Canned or boxed juices or energy drinks
  • ◦High-energy snacks
  • ◦Baby food/formula
• Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
• Manual can opener

• Two-week supply of prescription medicine and any medical equipment
• Aspirin or other pain relievers
• Anti-diarrheal and antacid medications
• Antibiotic and anti-itch creams
• Tweezers, bandages, scissors, and safety pins
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

For all family members:

• Shoes, workboots, hats, and gloves
• Raincoat
• Sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows

• Waterproof container for important documents
• Emergency plan and contact list (medical providers, family)
• Wills and insurance policies
• Financial documents and records
• ID, Social Security cards, and passports
• Immunization records for family and pets
• Family records (birth, marriage, and death certificates)
• A list and photos of valuable items.

• Include some of your children's favorite books, small toys, or games that will comfort them.

Should you need to evacuate, these items should be brought to a pet-friendly shelter or other locations that accept pets.

• Food and water (two-week supply)
• Food and water bowls
• Pet carrier
• Leash and collar with ID tags
• Toys, treats, and bedding
• Pet medications
• Copies of vaccinations and medical records
• Waste disposal items (garbage bags, litter, and pans)

Small items should be placed in a waterproof container.

• Two weeks' worth of cash or traveler's checks
• Map of shelter locations
• Battery-operated radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Fire extinguisher
• Hand tools such as a screwdriver, hammer, pliers, and adjustable wrench
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Plastic sheeting and garbage bags
• Plastic bucket with lid
• Waterproof matches
• Needle and thread
• Toilet paper and towelettes
• Disinfectant and household bleach
• Personal hygiene items
• Baby supplies
• Tarps

• Fill sandbags. Place parallel to the direction of water flow with the flap in the direction of the flow.
• Move valuables and furniture to higher floors or elevate them if in a single-story home.
• Verify flood insurance coverage.

• Create a 30 to 100-foot buffer around your home by raking leaves and clearing dead limbs and vegetation.
• Create a 15-foot space between tree crowns and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Mow grass regularly and keep the property clear of debris.
• Keep a garden hose on hand long enough to reach all areas of the home and other structures on the property

What to do in the event of an approaching tornado:

• Stay away from windows.
• Do not open doors and windows.
• Seek shelter in an interior room or closet on the lowest level of your house.
• Leave mobile homes and move to a low-lying area.
• Protect your head from falling debris or flying objects.
• Do not seek shelter in a vehicle.

Sheltering in place may be required when dangerous chemicals are released into the environment. The procedures in the workplace are similar to sheltering in place at home.

• Bring pets inside; shut and lock windows and doors.
• Turn off all air handling equipment (heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning).
• Go to a pre-determined sheltering room.
• Turn on a television or radio to listen for further instructions.
• When the fire department announces the "all clear," open windows and doors, turn on ventilation systems, and go outside until the building's air has been exchanged with the now clean air.

Pandemic and epidemic preparedness encompasses all activities undertaken to prevent the spread of a virus or disease outbreak in St. Lucie County. Simple actions can be taken to avoid the spread of any outbreak, including seasonal flu and the common cold.

1. Frequent hand washing (counting 20 seconds)
2. Enhanced cleaning of common areas
3. Stay at home when sick
4. Wearing facial coverings/masks

Flood damage is excluded under standard insurance policies. Separate flood insurance coverage is available as a stand-alone policy from both the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and a few private insurers.

You are responsible for maintaining your home and taking reasonable precautions to protect it from damage. Your insurance policy will not cover damage due to lack of maintenance, mold, or infestation from termites or other pests.

Sewer backups are not covered under a typical insurance policy, nor does flood insurance cover them. This type of coverage must be purchased either as a separate product or as an endorsement of a homeowners policy, usually at a nominal cost.

The St. Lucie County Special Needs Shelter is available for individuals with medical conditions that require specialized attention. Pre-registration is encouraged. People who require dedicated 24-hour nursing care or a hospital bed should make prior arrangements with a physician, caregiver, or home health care agency. To register for our Special Needs Shelter, visit stlucieco.gov/SpecialNeeds.

Havert L. Fenn Center
2000 Virginia Ave
Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Secondary Special Needs Shelter will open if needed.

Treasure Coast High School

1000 SW Darwin Blvd

Port St. Lucie, FL 34982

Westwood High School
1801 Panther Ln
Fort Pierce, FL 34947

Treasure Coast High School
1000 SW Darwin Blvd
Port St. Lucie, FL 34982

Pre-registration is required. 

Lakewood Park Elementary
7800 Indrio Rd
Fort Pierce, FL 34951

Fort Pierce Central High School
1000 SW Darwin Blvd
Port St. Lucie, FL 34953

Secondary Shelters will open if needed.

Oak Hammock K-8
1251 SW California Blvd
Port St. Lucie, FL 34953

Westgate K-8
1050 NW Cashmere Blvd
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

Chester Moore Elementary
827 N 29th St
Fort Pierce, FL 34947

Samuel Gaines Academy
2250 S Jenkins Rd
Fort Pierce, FL 34947

Parkway Elementary
7000 NW Selvitz Rd
Port St. Lucie, FL 34983

Floresta Elementary
1501 SE Floresta Dr
Port St. Lucie, FL 34983

Bayshore Elementary
1661 SW Bayshore Blvd
Port St. Lucie, FL 34984

Morningside Elementary
2300 SE Gowin Dr
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952

Port St. Lucie Comm. Ctr
2195 SE Airoso Blvd
Port St. Lucie, FL 34984