FAQs

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Emergency Management

1. What are the procedures following a hurricane and/or disaster?: 1. First, a Damage Assessment Team assesses the damage of the affected and evacuated area. This team consists mainly of Public Safety Personnel.
2. If only minor damage exists specifically to utilities such as power, water and sewer, and roadways, County Officials make the decision for the time for re-entry.
3. If major damage occurred to buildings, utilities or roadways, the county provides property owners a time to visit and survey the damage of their property. To gain access to their property, owners must have a copy of the property title, or a tax receipt, or utility bill bearing the address of the property, and picture identification. A driver’s license showing a physical address is acceptable. Once utility companies restore damages and it is safe for entry, County Officials notify property owners that they may return to their property.

2. What are the requirements concerning hurricane evacuation?: When the Governor orders a "Mandatory Evacuation", it is required that everyone in the designated area leave. The "Mandatory Evacuation" Order carries the force of state law. In addition, once you leave the area, the order prohibits you from returning until the Governor suspends the order.

3. Where should I go during an evacuation?: Each individual and family in the evacuation zone should decide the best place to move to in the event of an evacuation. This may include staying with family or friends, or traveling to a motel outside the evacuation zone. Several local Red Cross Shelters also provide emergency shelter.

4. During a hurricane, how far should I evacuate?: Although we do not provide specific distances, EPD generally suggests a westward inland evacuation over 150 miles or whatever distance with which a person feels comfortable.

5. I live in a mobile home with tie-downs, do I still need to evacuate in a storm?: Yes, most tie-downs will only keep the floor partially secured to the ground. The walls and roof may still blow away.