Living on the Treasure Coast of Florida means beautiful beaches, relaxed coastal living... and unfortunately, hurricanes. Hurricane season officially begins June 1st and goes through November 30th. Being prepared is critical when a storm is approaching. To help keep your family safe, we've put together this guide that includes local evacuation zones, hurricane preparation tips, and links to resources. Review this guide at the beginning of hurricane season and begin preparing NOW! Then, bookmark it to refer back to in case a storm is heading towards Indian River County.
Skip to: Hurricane Categories | Evacuation Zones and Routes | Shelters | School Closures | Local Resources | Hurricane Preparation Tips for Families
Hurricane Categories
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their sustained wind speeds. Here is an overview of the hurricane rating system.
- Tropical Depression: up to 39 mph winds
- Tropical Storm: 39 - 73 mph winds
- Category 1: 74-95 mph winds
- Category 2: 86-110 mph winds
- Category 3: 111-129 mph winds*
- Category 4:130-156 mph winds*
- Category 5: 157 mph or higher winds*
*Categories 3, 4, and 5 are identified as major hurricanes.
Evacuation Zones and Routes
You should always listen to law enforcement agencies and abide by mandatory evacuations. Click the link below to find your evacuation zone and routes. Please keep in mind that roads can become congested during emergencies, so leaving early is a good idea.
- Indian River County Evacuation Zones & Routes
- Get the 511 App to Check Traffic or CALL 511
- Find Out Which Gas Stations Have Gas with GasBuddy® App
Shelters
When a hurricane is approaching, local shelters will open for those who need a safe place to stay. Please keep in mind that shelters do not open at the same time, and some locations may not open at all. Check local news and social media for shelter openings.
- Special Needs Shelter - Treasure Coast Elementary School: 8955 85th Street, Sebastian, FL 32958. Registration is required; please fill out the registration forms online here or call 772-226-3900. You need to register in advance. Fill the forms out now, even if a storm is not on its way.
- Pet-Friendly Shelter - Liberty Magnet School: 6850 81st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967 – (772) 388-3331, ext. 10
- Indian River Academy: 500 20th Street SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962
- Oslo Middle School: 480 20th Avenue SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962
- Osceola Magnet School: 1110 18th Avenue SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962
- Gifford Middle School: 4530 28th Court, Gifford, FL 32960
- Glendale Elementary School: 4940 8th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
- Vero Beach High School Freshman Learning Center: 1507 19th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
- Vero Beach Elementary School: 1770 12th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
- Fellsmere Elementary School: 50 North Cypress Street, Fellsmere, FL 32948
- Pelican Island Elementary School: 1355 Schumann Drive, Sebastian, FL 32958
- Sebastian Elementary School: 400 County Road 512, Sebastian, FL 32958
- Sebastian River Middle School: 9400 County Road 512, Sebastian, FL 32958
- Sebastian River High School: 9001 90th Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958
- Storm Grove Middle School: 6400 57th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967
School Closures
Schools typically close even for tropical storms. School buses don't operate if there are sustained winds above 35 mph, and the school district prioritizes safety when making decisions about school closures. Typically, the School District of Indian River County will send out an automated phone call and update its website and social media to alert parents of school closures and reopenings. Click the link below to check the School District of Indian River County's website.
Local Resources
- Official Disaster Preparedness Guide for Indian River County
- Indian River County Emergency Management
- Sign Up For Emergency Alerts from Indian River Emergency Notification System
Hurricane Preparation Tips for Families
- Create a Family Emergency Plan
- Use this easy, fillable form to create a plan.
- Know your evacuation zone and routes and shelter locations.
- Don't forget about your pet! Have a plan for your pet and include their necessary supplies in your emergency kit.
- Build an Emergency Kit
- Visit ready.gov/kit for lists of recommended supplies.
- Have a go-kit and stay-at-home supplies.
- Prepare Your Home
- Decide what preparations you will make to your home, such as installing shutters, bringing in outdoor furniture, taking photos for insurance purposes, trimming trees, preparing your pool, and more.
- See FPL's tips and information on power restoration after a storm
- Stay Informed
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and bookmark local news and weather sites
- Check the National Hurricane Center
- Check the National Weather Service
- Check Florida Disaster
- Download WhatsApp to communicate without cell service
- Download the FEMA app
- Call the Florida Emergency Information Line: (800) 342-2557
- Tune in to WSCF 91.9 FM
While hurricanes are an unfortunate reality of living on Florida's Treasure Coast, we can be prepared to help ensure our families' safety and minimize the risks associated with a storm. Remember: prepare in advance, remain informed by official sources, and stay calm.
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