Emergency FAQs
Evacuations
Q: How will I know if I need to evacuate?
Evacuation orders are issued by City and County officials. Stay tuned to official alerts via local news, emergency notifications and the City’s website.
Q: What should I do if I need help evacuating?
If you require transportation because of a disability or medical condition, register in advance with the St. Lucie County Department of Public Safety's Emergency Management Division. Do not wait until a storm is approaching.
Generators
Q: Can I use a generator indoors?
No. Generators must be used outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn more about generator safety.
Food & Drinking Water
Q: How much water should I store?
Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
Q: What food should I have on hand?
Non-perishable items like canned goods, protein bars and dry cereal are ideal.
Wastewater & Stormwater Safety
Q: Is it safe to use plumbing during a storm?
Avoid flushing or draining during heavy rainfall to prevent backups. Learn more about What Not to Flush and the City's Water & Sewer Storm Preparation & Recovery.
Damage Assessment
Q: How do I report storm damage?
Use 1PSL to report storm damage.
Debris Cleanup
Q: When will debris be collected?
In the event of tropical or severe weather, the City will continue waste collection and disposal services until weather conditions prohibit it. Debris collection will begin as soon as it is safe to do so. After the storm has passed, separate debris into four categories: garbage, vegetative debris, building materials and furniture. See Severe Weather Waste Tips.
FEMA & State Assistance
Q: How do I apply for disaster assistance?
Visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call FEMA at 800-621-3362. The City also will provide post-storm local assistance information.
Building Recovery
Q: Do I need a permit to repair storm damage?
Yes. The City will expedite permitting after a storm. Visit the Post-Storm Recovery Permitting Guide for details.
Natural Emergency Guidance
Q: Where can I find official updates and emergency information?
You can stay informed through the following official City of Port St. Lucie channels:
Applicable Laws
Q: What laws apply during a state of emergency?
Florida Statute §252.381 outlines municipal responsibilities and resident protections during natural emergencies.
Q: What should I do before a storm?
Q: What should I do during a storm?
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- Monitor official updates.
- Do not use candles; use flashlights instead.
Q: What should I do after the storm?
Special Needs & Disability Resources
Q: How do I register for a special needs shelter?
Register through the County’s Special Needs Registry. Assistance is available by calling 772-871-7340.
Q: What care is provided at special needs shelters?
The Special Needs shelter provides basic services, including electricity, food and medical supervision.
Additional Disaster Relief Resources
FEMA Recovery Library
FEMA developed the Recovery Resource Library in collaboration with federal interagency partners to navigate the numerous programs available to the United States and its territories to help recover from a disaster. Learn more about the Recovery Resource Library.
Salvation Army
Disaster Legal Services Hotline
- Phone: 833-514-2940
- Offers legal assistance and referrals for disaster-related issues.
Samaritan’s Purse
2-1-1 Information Line
- Website: www.211.org
- Phone: 2-1-1
- Provides real-time local information including school closures, sandbag distribution and social service referrals.
American Red Cross
Florida Baptist Disaster Relief
Crisis Cleanup
- Website: www.crisiscleanup.org
- Phone: 844-965-1386
- Connects disaster survivors with volunteers for free services like debris and tree removal, muck outs and mold remediation.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC)