Pinellas Update #4: Post-storm safety tips

Pinellas Update #4: Post-storm safety tips

Pinellas County response/action

General

• County staff are conducting countywide damage assessments throughout the day.
• Pinellas County government offices are open today, Aug. 5, for regular business hours.
• Fort De Soto Park, Fred Howard Park and Sand Key Park are closed on Monday, Aug. 5, due to flooding and anticipated high tides. All other parks, preserves and boat ramps are open.
• County Information Center remains open until 5 p.m. for storm recovery questions. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at www.bit.ly/PinellasChat.

Advice & Information for Residents

• Treat an intersection as a four-way stop sign if traffic lights are not working.
• 9-1-1 is for reporting life-threatening emergencies only - not damages or power outages. Report issues such as downed traffic lights, broken traffic signs or other damage to public infrastructure through SeeClickFix at pinellas.gov/SeeClickFix.
• Report damage to your home or business at disaster.pinellas.gov.

• Avoid downed power lines. Report downed lines to the power company if you are able.
• Avoid flooded areas and standing water. Do not wade through floodwaters, which could have live power lines, sewage, wildlife and dangerous objects.
• Avoid driving on flooded roadways. Only one foot of water can carry a car away. Turn around, don't drown.
• Water-damaged power outlets can cause fires. Keep your power off after home flooding until an electrician can take a look.
• Use a generator safely. Keep generators in well-ventilated locations outside, away from all doors, windows and vent openings. Never use a generator in a garage, even with the door open.
• Photograph and list all damaged or lost items, including their age and value where possible. Take photos of how high the water was in the house. After photographing, remove any wet contents as soon as possible to prevent mold. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.

• Contact your insurance agent and file your insurance claim as soon as possible. Learn more at pinellas.gov/flood-insurance
• Do not do work on your home that is beyond your limitations. Make sure contractors you hire are licensed. Learn more at pinellas.gov/choosing-a-contractor. If you do not have internet access, you can also call the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board at (727) 582-3100 and choose Option 2 for Licensing to check whether a contractor is licensed.
• Get updates on Hurricane Debby recovery efforts by visiting disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov; search hashtag #PinellasDebby