Sarasota County, FL
Home MenuGovernment » Emergency Services » Hurricane Recovery
Hurricane Debby Recovery
Chapters:
00:01:45 Item 1 Introduction.
00:03:51 Emergency Services.
00:28:02 Public Works.
00:48:51 Public Utilities.
00:57:44 Solid Waste.
01:05:20 Planning and Development Services.
01:16:00 Item 1 recap.
Aug. 28 BCC Meeting
During the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioner Meetings on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28, county staff provided presentations about Hurricane Debby's impact to the community and the county's recovery efforts.
Click the date below to view the presentation for each meeting:
NOTE: Comfort Stations are available through Sunday, September 1.
Comfort stations offering laundry facilities, hot showers, and restrooms are open at 3340 Bahia Vista St. and 8200 Bee Ridge Road. These stations are specifically set up to support community members who are impacted by Hurricane Debby. They are accessible 24/7.
Sarasota County Breeze Transit Routes 3,6, and 14 have convenient stops near these locations. Additionally, Breeze OnDemand services are available for transportation to and from the comfort stations. For assistance with transportation, please call 311 to connect with our Breeze dispatch team.
With a focus on the hardest impacted areas of the community in the southern portion of Sarasota County, a petition has been submitted by the county to FEMA with a specific request to authorize and accelerate debris collection from within private roadways, HOAs, and manufactured home communities.
FEMA considers industrial parks, golf courses, cemeteries, apartments, condominiums, and manufactured home communities as commercial properties and these types of properties are generally ineligible for debris removal because commercial enterprises are expected to retain insurance that covers debris removal. FEMA may provide an exception for these areas, however FEMA must approve the work prior to the removal of debris.
The county has connected with local, state, and federal representatives to support and lobby for the request to remove debris from private properties as a critical threat to public, life, safety, and economic recovery to the community at large.
Sarasota County’s debris recovery operations team has already begun project planning to determine what resources may be requested if FEMA grants the authorization to proceed. Manufactured home communities will be contacted in advance of a policy decision to expedite the right-of-entry request process if given the authorization to proceed.
Post Storm Cleanup and Safety
Sarasota County Public Safety, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, urges residents to be careful when cleaning up the debris that Hurricane Ian left in and around their homes and businesses.
Every person involved in cleanup should make sure their tetanus vaccination is current and avoid heat stress when working outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings.
There may also be unseen hazards under the water in areas that received storm surge or freshwater flooding. Flood waters can mask debris, downed power lines and other hazards.
The following tips are offered:
- Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup of sewage and to avoid injury and contamination.
- Be careful about mixing household cleaners and disinfectants. Combining certain types of products can produce toxic fumes and result in injury or death.
- Walls, hard-surfaced floors and many other household surfaces must be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach per 5 gallons of water.
- Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wall-coverings, cloth and rugs. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry-clean.
- Drywall and insulation that have been soaked should be removed and discarded so disinfection and drying of the internal wall structure can take place.
- Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, may possibly be air-dried in the sun and sprayed thoroughly with a disinfectant. However, these items may need to be discarded.
- It can be difficult to throw away items in a home, particularly those with sentimental value. However, keeping certain items soaked by sewage or floodwaters may be unhealthy. In general, materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours should be discarded
- Fiberboard, fibrous insulation and disposable filters in your heating and air conditioning system should be replaced
- Chainsaws should only be operated in safe conditions and by people that are experienced in proper use.
WOUND CARE / TETANUS
- If you sustain a wound or deep cut that concerns you, seek medical attention. Make sure to ask your doctor if you need a tetanus booster vaccine.
- Due to possible contamination, do not expose wounds to floodwaters.
- Proper wound care is essential for all cuts and lacerations regardless of exposure to floodwaters. Clean wounds with soap, disinfectant or bottled water.
- Individuals deployed to work on recovery efforts are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine.
HEAT SAFETY
Everyone participating in post-storm clean up should practice heat safety. A person can experience sunstroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke if exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and fainting.
If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. If symptoms become more severe or last longer than one hour, seek medical attention immediately. If you suspect you may have heat exhaustion, take the following cooling measures:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages;
- Rest in an air-conditioned environment;
- Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath;
- Wear lightweight clothing; and
- Prevent sunburn by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
To avoid becoming dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who have medical conditions such as kidney and heart disease, who require a fluid-restricted diet, or who have problems with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
HEAT SAFETY TIPS DURING CLEANUP
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear a hat or to use an umbrella.
- Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day – morning hours between 4 and 7 a.m.
- Stay indoors when possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine or find a local cooling center.
- Be a good neighbor. Check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
- Don’t forget your pets. Make sure they have access to water, ventilation and shade.
For more information about debris clean up safety, visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup/facts.html
Mold Cleanup Safety
As Floridians clean and repair storm-damaged homes and buildings, Sarasota County Public Safety, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, urges the public to take action to avoid indoor air quality problems.
Moisture that enters buildings from leaks or flooding accelerates mold growth. Mold can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the storm. Failure to control moisture and mold can present short- and long-term health risks.
TIPS TO CLEAN UP MOLD AND PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
- Protect yourself: Put on personal protective equipment (cleaning type gloves, N95 respirator/mask and safety goggles) to protect your skin, mouth, nose, lungs and eyes.
- Toss / Take it out: Anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned and dried completely within 24 to 48 hours should be taken outside. Take photos of discarded items for filing insurance claims.
- Air out: Open all doors and windows when you are removing wet or moldy materials or when cleaning moldy surfaces.
- Drying it out: When electricity is safe to use, you can close doors/windows and use fans and dehumidifiers to help remove moisture indoors. Remember that dehumidifiers can only dehumidify under closed indoor conditions. Dry your home and everything in it as quickly as possible – within 24 to 48 hours if you can.
- Don’t mix cleaners: If you use cleaning products, do not mix cleaning products together because doing so can create toxic vapors.
- Scrub surfaces: Clean with water and detergent. Remove all mold you can see. Dry right away.
- Don’t cover it, remove it: Painting or caulking over mold will not prevent mold from growing. Fix the water problem completely, dry it out and clean up all the mold before you paint or caulk.
- Consider your medical status: Individuals with suppressed or impaired immune systems, mold allergies, asthma or other chronic lung disease should not clean or remove moldy materials. See your doctor if you are unsure of your medical status or are not feeling well.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Never use gasoline- or propane-powered tools or generators indoors as these devices produce very hazardous carbon monoxide which can kill you within minutes. If you are using a generator, please place it at least 20 feet from all buildings. Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home.
For more information about indoor air quality and mold growth, contact the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County at (941) 861-2900 or visit www.floridahealth.gov/indoorair.
A handy guide for cleaning mold from flooded homes is available at: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/flood-cleanup-protect-indoor-air-quality.
Septic System Backup Cleanup
Following the passage of Hurricane Ian, residents may be experiencing difficulties with sewage systems not functioning properly. If you have a septic system that operates by a dosing pump, it will not function without electricity. You should refrain from using water in your home until electricity is restored. Without the pump working, the septic tank will fill and may cause backup of sewage in your home.
Sarasota County Public Safety, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, offers the following tips:
General Precautions
- Do not let children play in flood waters as these waters may be contaminated by sewage.
- If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, the ground in your area may be saturated from heavy rainfalls or flooding from the hurricane. You should use household water as little as possible to prevent backup of sewage into your home
What should I do if sewage backs up into my home?
- If a sewage backup has occurred in your home, stay out of affected areas and keep children away. If your entire home has been saturated, evacuate the home until all affected areas, including but not limited to carpets, rugs, drywall and baseboards, have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- If sewage has overflowed in open areas or streets, etc., avoid these areas. Do not let children play in these areas.
- If you are having problems in areas served by public sewer systems, please contact your utility company to ensure they are aware of problems in your area.
How do I clean up sewage-contaminated items and sewage spills inside my home?
- Wear protective clothing, such as rubber boots and waterproof gloves.
- Clean walls, hard-surfaced floors and other household surfaces with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Once cleanup is complete, dry out affected items to prevent the growth of mold.
- Do not mix ammonia cleansers with bleach as toxic vapors will form.
- Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry-clean them.
- Discard Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses, carpeting, wall coverings and upholstered furniture.
For spills outside your home:
- Contact your utility or a registered septic tank contractor for cleanup.
- Minor spills requiring immediate attention may be disinfected with regular garden lime from a garden shop. Follow the lime container’s label instructions for personal protective equipment needed. Use lime outdoors only.
- Sprinkle the lime onto the spill so the spill is dusted mostly white on the surface. If the residue is thicker in some places, use a rake to mix the lime and the residue.
- After a day, rake up the thicker residue and place it in a trash bag for disposal with the other trash. Use a sprinkler or hose to water the lime and residue into the soil.
- Let the area dry in the sun for a day before allowing access. If there is still white lime dust visible on the yard, water it in until the white dust is gone.
Follow proper hygiene procedures to prevent illness:
- Keep hands and fingers away from the nose, mouth, eyes and ears.
- Wash hands with soap and water immediately after cleanup efforts, as well as before eating or drinking.
- Keep fingernails short and clean. Use a stiff brush to remove dirt and foreign materials.
- Do not store fresh work clothes with used work clothes.
- Shower as soon as possible after cleaning up sewage or sewage-contaminated flood waters.
For further information, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County at (941) 861-2900 or visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/index.html or www.FloridaDisaster.org.
The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.
Applicants may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:
- Proof of insurance coverage
- Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
- Proof of identity
- Proof of occupancy
- Proof of ownership
- Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster
If you have questions about your letter, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.
A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, accessible and functional. FEMA considers the following factors in the home inspection:
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC).
- Access and egress, including privately-owned roads, privately-owned bridges, and
privately-owned docks. - Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home, and reconnecting or resetting its sewer, water, electrical, oil, and fuel lines and tanks.
- The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
- The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly.
- The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
- The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
- There is safe access to and from the home.
FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including items such as toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.
Appealing FEMA’s Decision
Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.
FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide assistance for insurance deductibles.
Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:
- Applicant’s full name
- Disaster number (DR-4673 for Florida)
- Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
- Applicant’s current phone number and address
- The FEMA application number on all documents
If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.
Letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.
By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055
By fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.
For information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.