Hurricane Dorian: Mandatory evacuations to begin Sunday for Martin County

Hurricane Dorian: Mandatory evacuations to begin Sunday for Martin County

EVACUATION INFORMATION:

Martin County officials have announced mandatory evacuations in advance of Hurricane Dorian beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 1 in conjunction with shelter openings. The evacuation applies to residences on the barrier islands (Hutchinson Island and Jupiter Island), Sewall’s Point and manufactured/mobile homes, as well as homes in low-lying areas. Residents are strongly urged to follow the evacuation order. Additional evacuation areas may be identified if conditions change.

GENERAL SHELTERS:

Evacuation shelters will open on Sunday, September 1 at 10 a.m. Residents are encouraged to consider other options before deciding to go to a shelter.

Locations:

• Port Salerno Elementary School, 3260 SE Lionel Terrace, Stuart
• Jensen Beach High School, 2875 NW Goldenrod Road, Jensen Beach
• Hidden Oaks Middle School, 2801 SW Martin Highway, Palm City
• Warfield Elementary School, 15260 SW 150th Street, Indiantown

What to Bring:

• 3-5 days of non-perishable food (for those with special diets)
• Water, medication, clothing, toiletries, snacks
• Bedding, pillows, cots, sleeping bags
• Identification, important documents, cash and flashlight
• Books, magazines, quiet toys for kids
• For infants: Food, supplies, diapers, blankets, bedding, clothing

What Not to Bring:

• Pets
• Drugs/Alcohol
• Firearms/Weapons

SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER:

A special needs shelter will open on Sunday, September 1 at 10 a.m. at Anderson Middle School, located at 7000 SE Atlantic Ridge Drive in Stuart. This shelter includes limited medical oversight and is designed for residents with electricity-dependent needs such as oxygen.

PET-FRIENDLY SHELTER:

A pet-friendly shelter will be available for residents and their dogs and/or cats at Willoughby Learning Center, located at 5150 SE Willoughby Boulevard in Stuart. The shelter will be opened on Sunday, September 1 at 10 a.m. and will accommodate up to 300 residents and their pets. Residents will be separated from pets, but can visit to care for them. Please note: if the pet-friendly shelter experiences a loss of power, there will not be any air-conditioning.

Items to bring to the pet-friendly shelter:

• Crate
• Shot records
• Current rabies vaccination certificate
• County animal license tags
• Medications for you and your pet if needed
• Food for you and your pet
• Cleaning supplies if necessary
• Newspaper or pet pad
• Comfort items for your pet

If you’re planning to stay in the pet-friendly shelter, you will be required to show proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination. If your pet is unvaccinated, please come to the shelter on Saturday, August 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and receive the rabies vaccination for $10. Staff from the Treasure Coast Humane Society will also be offering microchipping for $10.

UTILITIES:

Water service will be shut off to Hutchinson Island at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 1 to protect the integrity of the system and water supply.

SAND BAGS:

Sand and bags will be available for residents at 2151 SE Aviation Way in Stuart from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. There is a limit of 25 bags per person and residents are encouraged to bring a shovel.

CLOSURES:

Beaches: Starting Saturday, August 31 at 5 p.m., all Martin County public beach accesses will be closed and beaches will be unguarded. Following the storm, as soon as conditions allow, access will be restored and the public will be notified.

Parks: All county parks will close to the public as soon as tropical storm force winds reach Martin County. Community and civic centers managed by the Martin County Parks and Recreation Department, as well as Sailfish Splash Waterpark, Martin County Golf Course, Phipps Park Campground (for camping) and Sand Dune Café, will be closed beginning Saturday, August 31. Facilities will reopen as soon as possible and the public will be notified.

Libraries: Martin County Library System branches, with the exception of the Blake Library, will be closed beginning Saturday, August 31 and reopening dates will be assessed following the passage of Hurricane Dorian. The Blake Library will be open Saturday, August 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

STAY INFORMED:

• Follow Martin County on Facebook | Twitter
• Text ALERTMARTIN to 888777 to receive emergency alerts
• Storm-related questions can be answered between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at (772) 287-1652