Martin County Emergency Management Agency

October is ! Protect your home and work computer systems with these cyber-smart tips.
1. Update software: updating software and devices is the easiest way to stay protected from security threats. Perform updates as soon as they become available or set automatic updates.
2. Use multifactor authentication: Multifactor authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of security for your accounts. Choose the most secure MFA method available. A physical security key provides the best protection and is easy to use.
3. Require long passwords that are random and unique
4. Learn to avoid phishing scams: keep an eye out for phishing and other scam attempts in your emails, texts, direct messages, or phone calls. Always verify the sender before clicking on links or downloading attachments. If you spot a scam, report it.

For more information on cybersecurity, visit the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency website at https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month.

This week, the US National Weather Service Melbourne Florida hosted a SKYWARN class at the Emergency Operations Center. Thank you to all who attended. Martin County is better prepared for severe weather because of you.

Learn more about the program here: https://www.weather.gov/mlb/skywarn

📻 On the last day of , consider becoming a licensed amateur radio operator! During disasters there may be many ways of communicating such as text, calls, emails, land lines, two-way radios, satellite devices, social media, and even amateur radio!

The Martin County Amateur Radio Association, Stuart, Florida hosts classes and events for anyone who wants to learn. Find out more at https://www.mcaraweb.com/

🏠 Protect Your Home Before the Storm Arrives 🌀

A few simple steps today can help reduce damage and keep your home safer during hurricane season.

🔒Secure or bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and other loose items that could become dangerous in high winds.
🌳 Shutter your windows before the storm
🪟 Protect your windows, doors, yard, and vulnerable areas

For information on how to prepare, visit https://www.martin.fl.us/Readiness

🛥️ Don't Forget Your Boat During Hurricane Season

Martin County's waterways are part of what makes our community special—but when severe weather is approaching, every boat owner should have a plan.

Before a storm:
⚓ Secure your vessel using proper mooring or trailer tie-down procedures.
🛟 Remove electronics, safety equipment, and loose items that could become hazards.
📋 Know your marina's hurricane procedures or identify where you'll safely store your boat if evacuation becomes necessary.

Planning ahead helps protect your property and reduces debris that can damage neighboring vessels and infrastructure.

Helpful resources:
🌊 Martin County Emergency Management:
https://www.martin.fl.us/Readiness

Don't wait until watches or warnings are issued, prepare your vessel now.

📂 Protect Your Important Documents Before Disaster Strikes

When preparing for hurricane season, don't forget one of your most valuable assets—your important documents.

📑 Gather and make copies of insurance policies, identification, medical records, and property documents.
☁️ Save digital copies in a secure cloud account or encrypted storage device.
💧 Store original documents in a waterproof, fireproof, portable container that can be taken if you need to evacuate.

Having your records readily available can make filing insurance claims, replacing documents, and recovering after a disaster much easier.

🐴 Large Animals Need a Disaster Plan, Too!

Horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and other livestock require specialized sheltering during emergencies and cannot be accommodated at Martin County's pet-friendly shelters, which are for dogs and cats only.
If you own large animals:
✅ Have an evacuation destination identified before hurricane season.
✅ Arrange for transportation
✅ Ensure identification and medical records are up to date.

Remember, moving large animals takes time. Planning ahead helps keep both you and your animals safe.

For information about disaster preparedness for animals visit:
https://flsart.org/resource/DisasterPreparednessGuides/DisasterPreparednessGuides.jsp

🐾 Pet Prep Starts Before the Storm 🐶🐱
Your pets are family, and they depend on you to keep them safe during emergencies. Hurricane season is the perfect time to make sure you're prepared.

✅ Have a plan for your pets – where will they stay? Don’t leave them alone!
✅ Pack food, water, leashes, medication, carriers, and medical records and have them read y to go
✅ Bring treats and toys!

If you need to evacuate, never leave your pets behind. Martin County operates pet-friendly shelters for residents evacuating with their dogs and cats. (Please note: large animals require separate arrangements.)

Learn more about preparing your family—including your furry family members: https://www.martin.fl.us/Readiness

🚍 Plan Ahead: Know Your Transportation Options Before an Emergency
During an emergency, additional transportation assistance may be available for qualifying residents who need help evacuating.
✅ Register for transportation if you need it
✅ Know your evacuation zone and follow your plan for when it’s time to evacuate
✅ Be ready to be picked up and bring medications, documents, and your essentials

Learn more:
🚌 MARTY Bus System: https://www.martin.fl.us/transit
🚨 Martin County Emergency Management – Special Needs & Evacuation Assistance: https://www.martin.fl.us/SpecialNeeds

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🩺 Special Needs Shelter

If you or someone in your household has a medical condition that may require assistance during an evacuation, you may be eligible for the Special Needs Shelter.

✔ REGISTER. The Special Needs Shelter requires clients to pre-register before an event to ensure we can provide the level of care required.
✔ PREPARE. Just as you would for any other evacuation from your home, pack your basics and include your medications, medical documents, and medical equipment. Make arrangements for your pets as the shelter can only accept service animals.
✔ ACCOMPANY. Every client must be accompanied by a caregiver, who also will stay at the shelter.

Learn all about the Special Needs Shelter and how to register at https://www.martin.fl.us/SpecialNeeds