Hurricane Information Okeechobee County

Storm Preparation Okeechobee County

Safety Notes for Storm Preparations:

If you have small children in your household- storing water in bathtubs can be a drowning hazard-use large plastic storage tubs with snap-on lids.

After the storm- follow safety precautions using your generators- must be outside and away from windows/ventilation vents.

**SAND BAGS** CLOSED DOWN as of 10-9-24

Those who would like to pick up sandbags in Okeechobee County can go to the Public Works Department Compound at 804 NW 2nd Street. Bags and shovels will be available at no charge. The bags are limited to 10 per vehicle. Citizens will be required to fill their own bags, however, if you are a special needs resident and require assistance with sandbags please call 863-763-3514 Monday between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

When to put up shutters:

According to the National Weather Service's guide to wind speed, wind speeds of over 75 miles per hour can lift roofs and break windows. This means that for any storm with wind speeds above 75 miles per hour, your windows should be protected.

Currently- Okeechobee County is now under a Hurricane Watch (meaning hurricane conditions of sustained 74 mph or higher) are Possible.

If a Hurricane Warning is issued- this means sustained winds 74 mph or higher Are Expected

Emergency Management Office

For Emergency Management call (863) 763-3212. Click here for emergency contacts.

Okeechobee Community Information line open for all questions or concerns from 7am-7pm; please call them for non-emergency questions about shelters, sandbags, etc. related to Hurricane Helene. 863-763-3536.

Radio & Television Broadcast

Emergency information will be broadcast on local radio and television stations.

WOKC at 100.9 FM and 1570 AM is the official radio station for Okeechobee County information. For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: co.okeechobee.fl.us

The radio stations are WOKC-FM 100.9, WOKC-AM 1570, and WWFR-FM 91.7 in Okeechobee, WQCS-FM 88.9 in Fort Pierce, and WAFC-FM 100.5 in Clewiston. The television stations are Channels 5 and 25 from West Palm Beach, and the local cable station.

Also visit Ready.gov

for more pre and post hurricane/disaster information.

Shelters and Evacuation Okeechobee County

FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)

You must have a FEMA application number and approval from FEMA to participate in the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program. Use the hotel locator to find a participating hotel.

Once approved- If you have questions about TSA or need help locating a hotel, you may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week. Hours may be longer during high disaster activity. If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Okeechobee City Housing Options:

List of apartment complexes:
*Towns of Okeechobee                      
443 NW 22nd Lane                               
(863) 622-1552

*Okeechobee Commons                     
402 NW 10th Street                             
(863) 467-9771

*Oaks at Shannon’s Crossing
833 US-441                                           
(863) 467-0275

Housing Options:  

*Laurel Oaks Senior Apartments     
1801 NW 3rd Lane                               
(863) 467-2680

*Tanglewood Apartments                 
420 NW 9th Street                               
(863) 467-2079  

List of hotels in Okeechobee:

*Hampton Inn Okeechobee              
1200 FL-70                                            
(863) 824-0003

 *Days Inn & Suites                               
2200 US-441                                         
(863) 824-7676

 *Holiday Inn Express & Suites          
3101 US-441                                         
(863) 357-3529

 *Best Western                           
3975 US-441                                         
(863) 357-7100

 *Budget Inn                                            
201 S. Parrott Ave                               
(863) 763-3185  

*Flamingo Motel                                   
4101 US-441                                         
(863) 763-6100

 *Economy Inn                                        
507 N. Parrott Ave                              
(863) 763-1148

 *Scottish Inns                                         
3190 US-441                                         
(863) 763-3293

 *Travelodge                                           
1527 US-441                                         
(863) 824-3431

COUNTY SHELTERS ARE NOW CLOSED (posted 10-10-24 3 pm)

CLOSED -SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER: Department of Health: 1700 NW 9th Avenue. Registration is required at https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/

• CLOSED-GENERAL POPULATION and PET FRIENDLY SHELTER: South Elementary School: 2468 SW 7th Avenue. Pets are required to be registered with the County and provide a crate, up to date shot records, food for at least 3-5 days, water for the animal and a litter box if the pet is a cat. (Pets can be registered on site for a $5 fee. There is no fee if the pet is already registered.)

  At 4:00 PM, Okeechobee County Emergency Management is opening an additional Hurricane Shelter:

• CLOSED-Osceola Middle School located at 825 SW 28th St, Okeechobee, FL 34974. No pets allowed.
  (Pets are still allowed at South Elementary School).

FREE RIDES AVAILABLE to shelters:

 Both Lyft and Uber use code MILTONRELIEF

 Note the state is also announcing a shuttle number:  1-800-729-3413 should someone be in  evacuation zone.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Residents are strongly urged to shelter in place if safe to do so. It is safer at home. For more info on shelters click here.

• Other items to consider bringing to a Shelter- in general

   

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (i.e., Facial coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer)

  • Three-day supply of water per person (i.e., three-gallons per person).

  • Prescription and emergency medications; you must be able to take all medications by yourself.

  • Special-diet foods (e.g., snacks and juices for those with dietary restrictions or allergies).

  • Basic snacks.

  • Bedding materials (e.g., pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, etc.).

  • Comfortable clothing (at least two changes).

  • Collapsible/folding beach chair or camp chair.

  • Baby food, formula, bottles, diapers, blankets, & clothes.

  • Flashlight, extra batteries.

  • Cellphone, with a battery-operated charger.

  • Radio with extra batteries and headphones.

  • Important documents (identification, medical records, insurance information, deeds or leases, birth certificates and utility bills showing your home address).

  • Photocopies of valuable documents.

  • Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures.

  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items.

  • Quiet games, books, playing cards, favorite toys, or other items for entertainment.

  • Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled.

  • Chargers/cables for any electronic devices you bring - electrical outlets are limited. 

Food & Water Okeechobee County

Food Pantries in Okeechobee
Big Lake Mission Outreach               
605 NW 16th Street
863-763-5725
By Appointment Only

 Church of God of Prophecy              
102 NW 10th Street
863-763-4059
1st & 3rd Wednesday (8a-10a)

 First Baptist Church Mission House
309 SW 4th Avenue
863-763-2171
Mon/Wed/Fri (9a-noon)

 Fort Drum Community Church                    
32145 US Hwy 441 N
863-697-2642
By Appointment Only  

His Church – Buckhead Ridge                      
1167 Linda Road
863-357-6500
Every Saturday

 Okeechobee Church of God             
301 NE 4th Avenue
863-763-4127
1st Monday (6a-10a) & 3rd Monday (7a-9a)  

Sacred Heart Church                          
901 SW 6th Street
863-763-3727
1st & 3rd Friday (9a-11a)  

Salvation Army                                     
1600 SW 2nd Avenue
863-763-6020
Tuesday (9a-2p)  

Treasure Coast Food Bank                
772-489-3034/772-600-5563
Call for date/time

Utilities Okeechobee County

OKEECHOBEE UTILITY AUTHORITY: OUA has issued a Boil Water Advisory beginning Wednesday 10/9/24 at 8:00 a.m. until further notice.
The OUA offices will be closed until 12:00 p.m. Thursday 10/10/24.

Florida Power & Light
800-226-3545

Waste Management:

Hours/ Days Modified schedule for the remainder of the week. (posted 9-26-24)

*Information will be provided as available.

Debris tips:

If you have Hurricane Milton debris: Remember to separate storm debris into five categories:

1. Normal household trash: Your regular household waste and recyclables will not be collected with storm debris. Stick to your normal garbage removal schedule.

2. Vegetative debris: This includes vegetation such as leaves, logs, plants, and tree branches. Do NOT put yard waste in bags.

3. Construction and demolition debris: This category includes cabinets, counters, doors, drywall, lumber, roofing and shingles, tile windows, wood siding, and vanities.

4. Bulky Waste: Items such as carpet, furniture, mattresses, plastic/PVC pipe, privacy fencing, vinyl siding, and pressure-treated wood.

5. Appliances and white goods: This category includes air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators (remember to put food waste with household trash), stoves, washers and dryers, and water heaters.

Placement for pick up:

Place the separated debris at the edge of your property near the road. Do NOT block the roadway or storm water drains. Also, do NOT place debris under power lines and trees, or near poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility boxes, or other structures that can delay removal. Do NOT place debris on driveways or sidewalks, and do NOT mix household hazardous waste or electronics with other debris.

Bring them to the Proper Bailing and Recycling Facility in your area for proper disposal.

Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Okeechobee County

Special Needs Shelter

A Special Needs Shelter will open at the Department of Health at 8:00 a.m. located at 1700 NW 9th Avenue. Registration is preferred -  https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/ 

*If you are an able body senior- please see regular shelter list at the top of the page. Also note

For info on special needs shelters click here. (link will be updated once info made available)

For general shelter information - like what to bring with you click here

Pet Safety Okeechobee County

Pet-Friendly Shelter - SHELTERS NOW CLOSED (Posted 10-10-24)
GENERAL POPULATION and PET FRIENDLY SHELTER: South Elementary School: 2468 SW 7th Avenue.

Pets are required to be registered with the County and provide a crate, up to date shot records, food for at least 3-5 days, water for the animal and a litter box if the pet is a cat. (Pets can be registered on site for a $5 fee. There is no fee if the pet is already registered.)

Pets are required to be registered with the County and provide a crate, up-to-date shot records, food for at least 3-5 days, water for the animal, and a litter box if the pet is a cat.

The owner stays in the same shelter with the animal (not a drop-and-go)

- animals and owners are not housed in the same area. However, the owner is fully responsible for the care and custody of the animal at all times.

- The owner needs to bring a crate for each animal; a few containers are on hand. However, it is suggested to bring your own.

- For up-to-date shots, you must bring proof of vaccines, and THIS IS A REQUIREMENT.

- Food for the animal for the next 3-5 days

- Water for the animal

- It is a feline; bring a litterbox and litter for 3-5 days.

 Physical & Mental Health Okeechobee County

211 staff are available if you are overwhelmed and need to talk with someone- Dial 2-1-1 or Text you zip code to 898211

Florida Community Health Centers all locations are closed 10/9/2024 and 10/10/2024
Check website for re-opening dates www.fchcinc.org

Also ask 211 staff for additional resources from our database or do self-search by clicking on red “Get Help Now” button at the top of this page.

Mental Health Resources:

Florida State University
Helping families, communities, and providers to prepare for the storm and its aftermath.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network- resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. Click link below to view strategies and resources…

 FSU Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy

Charlie Health- Virtual Mental Health support during this challenging time & there is no waitlist. Call (866) 491-5196
Their group therapy sessions remain available to assist the community in any way they can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further support or have any questions. We’re here for you. Stay safe and take care. *Insurance:* We work with all major *Commercial* health plans, *TriCare*, and *Medicaids *(Sunshine, Molina, Aetna Better Health, Humana, Simply)

West Palm Beach VA

In anticipation of Hurricane Milton impacting our local community within the next 36 hours, we continue to monitor and remain prepared for the expected impact.

As informed previously, all outpatient clinics, to include our Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Pharmacy, will be closed Thursday, October 10. Please plan accordingly:

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Tuesday, Oct. 8

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Wednesday, Oct. 9

• OUTPATIENT OPERATIONS CLOSED on Thursday, Oct. 10

• The Emergency Department will remain open and available.

• All face-to-face outpatient clinics are scheduled to be closed. Veterans will be offered virtual care options where available and scheduled procedures will be reviewed for appropriate rescheduling and care coordination.

• For appointments booked with Community Care, Veterans should contact their community providers directly for availability and alternate options.

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Friday, Oct. 11

We offer virtual care options that will allow you to continue to receive services from the comfort and safety of your home. For virtual medical care, Veterans can contact the 24/7 VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 or download the VA Health Chat app to connect with medical professionals.  

In addition to the Call Center and app, VA has activated the Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan through Heritage Health Solutions (HHS). Eligible patients with Veterans Health Identification (VHIC) in need of an emergency supply of medications can go to any retail pharmacy within the Heritage network with a written VA prescription or active VA prescription bottle, not older than 6 months and with refills available, to receive a 30-day supply (please be advised: this does not include controlled substances). To locate the closest HHS pharmacy and contact HHS, visit: https://va.hhspharmacy.com/locations/index.html.

 Education & Schools Okeechobee County

As of 10/10/24 **Okeechobee County Schools

Okeechobee County Schools expect re-open on Tuesday October 15, 2024

Florida Department of Education has listed schools are closed

  FEMA- Claims & Small Business Assistance Okeechobee County

After the Storm

Reminding residents and businesses that unlicensed contractors from outside the area will be looking for those seeking speedy repairs. To avoid being taken advantage of or stuck with repairs/fines that you are responsible for, you should:

• Always hire a licensed contractor,

• Get at least three written quotes for any job,

• Never put down more than a 10 percent deposit.

To verify a license, you can visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com, and click verify a license or contact your County’s Contractor Licenses Division.

Disaster Relief Applications & FEMA Assistance Residents whose homes or businesses have been damaged can apply for disaster relief funds through FEMA. You can begin your application at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or download the FEMA App. everyone is encouraged to document any property damage with photos and videos to assist with your claims.

Okeechobee County has been included in a Disaster Declaration which opens the opportunity for residents impacted by Hurricane Milton to apply for multiple assistance opportunities.

Small Business Loans
Residents may also apply for an SBA Loan to help with recovery efforts by going to https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, zero interest working capital loans with fast approvals for businesses impacted by a disaster. Go to www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply.


A DISASTER RECOVERY INFORMATION CALL LINE will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays at 863-763-3536 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Small Business Association
https://www.sba.gov/

Insurance Information

When a tropical storm or hurricane is projected to hit our state, the Florida Department of Financial Services activates a special consumer helpline for Floridians to seek assistance on insurance matters. The number is 1-800-22-STORM, or 1-800-227-8676. Hearing-impaired residents may use a TDD to call 1-800-640-0886.

• Florida Department of Financial Services web site

• After Disaster Checklist

• Disaster Insurance Assistance

• LÍNEA PARA ASISTENCIA SOBRE SEGUROS DURANTE UN DESASTRE

• www.myfloridacfo.com/division/ica/fullcoverage/homeowners 

• www.citizensfla.com/en/web/public/recovery-resources?

• cpicew_grid=MiltonHeleneRecovery

 Transportation & Lodging Okeechobee County

Reminder to motorists that all non-functioning traffic signals should be treated as a four-way stop.

https://tracker.gasbuddy.com/ can help locate operational gas stations after a storm

NOT IN OUR SERVICE AREA AT THIS TIME: Airbnb is offering temporary housing for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene & Milton

To see counties/states that are participating go to:  
https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-offers-temporary-housing-to-people-impacted-by-hurricane-helene/

FREE RIDES AVAILABLE to shelters:

 Both Lyft and Uber use code MILTONRELIEF

 Note the state is also announcing a shuttle number:  1-800-729-3413 should someone be in  evacuation zone.

Local Government Offices Okeechobee County

Okeechobee County Emergency Management
Click here or call 863-763-3212 for more information.

A Community INFORMATION CALL LINE is available at 863-824-6888 and will continue as needed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Waste Management -
An information line is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. by calling 863-824-6888. 

OKEECHOBEE UTILITY AUTHORITY offices will be closed until 12:00 p.m. Thursday 10/10/24.

CITY OF OKEECHOBEE Offices will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Okeechobee COUNTY OFFICES will reopen to the public Friday, 10/11/24. Okeechobee County Parks will reopen as they are assessed for safety.

The Judicial Center and Clerk of Courts will reopen Monday, 10/14/24.

Okeechobee County Public Schools will reopen Tuesday, 10/15/24.

Volunteer Opportunities Okeechobee County

Volunteer Florida
www.volunteerflorida.org

The Scripps Howard FundDonations for Disaster Relief Fund - Hurricane Helene and MiltonScribbs will match every dollar donated up to $10,000 https://www.scrippsnews.com/relief

WPTV.Com/ReliefText 50155

 Before, During and After: 211 Helpline provides information on services for your everyday needs and in times of crisis. Call 2-1-1 or (866) 882-2991

211 Helpline - partners with emergency management services and local agencies in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast to get you the information needed to prepare, endure, and recover from adverse events.      

Be prepared. We encourage all individuals, families, organizations and businesses to take stock, plan and get prepared.  

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