What to do after a Storm

Email for questions or to provide information/pictures about an event.

As You're Returning Home

  • Do not drive in flood waters, even if they look only inches deep. Turn around, don't drown.
  • Do not walk in flood waters. The water is full of hazards like bacteria, wildlife, debris, and more.
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
  • Take extra care to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in standing water. Remember the 3 Ds:
    • Drain water when possible.
    • Dress in light colors and cover all parts of the body.
    • Defend with DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

If Your Home or Business Was Damaged

  • Contact your flood insurance agent as soon as possible!
    • If you have flood insurance that is part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), visit the National Flood Insurance Program or call 877-336-2627 to start a claim. There are time limitations to file your claim.
    • If you have private flood insurance, then contact your insurance carrier.
  • Do not enter a home that has major damage to the roof and/or walls.
  • If you have an electric vehicle and it is flooded with salt water, do not park it in a garage because it is susceptible to spontaneous combustion.
  • Document flood damage with photographs and video. Prepare a room-by-room list of damaged belongings and create an inventory including the item description, replacement cost, and age. Document the serial numbers of damaged appliances and furniture. Your adjuster will need this information.
  • Report your damage to help the County assess communitywide damage:
  • Remove wet contents promptly! Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding, drywall, insulation, and other items can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. Make sure to document the damage first and keep samples of damaged carpet, insulation and other contents until after the adjuster's inspection. 
  • Visit Resources for Flood Cleanup and Indoor Air Quality | U.S. EPA for tips on cleaning up after a flood.
  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
  • Document High-Water Marks by going to Resident Damage Reporting (arcgis.com) before you clean up your area outside. It is essential to document the high water mark for mitigation measures; please help us by taking a picture of your high water mark and submitting it via the link provided.

Repair Your Flooded Home

  • Build back safer and stronger. Look into flood mitigation techniques, such as installing flood-resistant materials and/or elevating your home. 
    Read our Rebuilding After a Storm webpage before beginning your repairs to ensure your house can better withstand future storms.
  • Find out the flood hazard and required development standards before developing your plans. Get the required permits before starting any home repair, improvement, or construction. Visit the Construction in a Floodplain webpage and learn more, or call 727-464-3888 with questions.
  • Hire only a licensed contractor and get multiple estimates for repairs. You can ask your insurance adjuster for an advance payment to help with repairs. To find a contractor or confirm a contractor's license is legitimate and current, visit the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) Contractor Search page.
  • Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
  • Look out for price gouging. It is illegal for anyone to sell necessary goods or services at higher than normal prices during a state of emergency. 
    View post-disaster consumer protection tips.
  • Never let anyone into your home without first asking for identification. Representatives of utilities, government offices, and reputable businesses will have proper identification. Also, ask your adjuster for their license number.

If You Need Help with Damage Cleanup

If you need assistance with damage from Hurricane Idalia, call the Crisis Cleanup Home Cleanup Hotline: 800-451-1954. Crisis Cleanup will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities who may be able to assist with:

  • Cut fallen trees.
  • Drywall, flooring, and appliance removal.
  • Tarping roofs.
  • Mold mitigation.

Services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will be open through Friday, September 15, 2023. 
For more Information, visit the Crisis Cleanup webpage.

If You Lost or Found a Pet

If you found a pet that was separated from its owner during the storm, please do one of the following:

  • See if the pet has an ID tag with the owner's contact information.
  • Visit the Petco Lost Love website, click I found a Pet, enter the found location, snap a picture on your phone, and upload.
  • Call Pinellas County Animal Services at 727-582-2600, option *8.

If you have lost your pet, please follow the tips here.

If You Have Sandbags

We recommend holding onto your sandbags through hurricane season. Do not dispose of sand or full sandbags as part of regular garbage. Place empty bags in your garbage (not in the recycling bin). Clean sand can be spread on lawns or landscape beds.

Do not dump sandbags onto the beach. Sand used to help stop flooding differs from beach sand and can cause issues for turtle nesting, among other problems. Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Facility is collecting used sandbags, free of charge, at 3095 114th Avenue N, St. Petersburg. Used sandbags must be separated from other waste before transport to the Solid Waste facility.