Pinellas Update: Post-storm warnings and recovery tips

As forecasted, Hurricane Helene brought historic storm surge to coastal and low-lying areas across Pinellas County, causing widespread flooding, prompting hundreds of water rescues overnight and tragically resulting in five deaths.

Major bridges remain at least partially closed, and access to the barrier islands remained closed as crews assess damage to roads and other critical infrastructure. The County’s evacuation order for residents in Zone A and mobile homes remains in effect.

Preliminary impact reports:

• More than 5,000 911 calls specifically related to the hurricane overnight into the morning.
• More than 500 water rescues by first responders.
• More than 200,000 Duke Energy customers without power.
• More than 1,600 people were staying in public shelters.
• Widespread flood damage to homes and businesses reported.

County offices, parks and schools are all closed. St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport reopened at 10:30 a.m.

Pinellas County response/action

The Sheriff’s Office has established unified command to coordinate response and recovery efforts throughout the county. This includes ensuring areas are safe, working with Duke Energy, continuing search and rescue missions, and debris and sand removal from major roadways in partnership with Florida Department of Transportation, County Public Works, municipalities and subcontractors.

• Pinellas County continues to operate six public shelters and is coordinating additional longer term sheltering options for residents whose homes were substantially damaged.
• County Information Center remains open 24 hours. 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

Road & Travel Safety

• Road conditions are extremely dangerous in many places this morning – don’t risk your life or vehicle to travel on flooded or damaged roads.
• Treat an intersection as a four-way stop sign if traffic lights are not working.
• Do not drive through standing water.

Home Safety

• Avoid downed power lines. Report downed lines to the power company if you are able.
• Do not wade through floodwaters, which could have live power lines, sewage, wildlife and dangerous objects.
• 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.
• Water-damaged power outlets can cause fires. Keep your power off after home flooding until an electrician can take a look.
• If you have an electric vehicle or golf cart and it was exposed to salt water, it needs to be moved away from your home by at least 50 feet.  These vehicles may catch fire in the coming days.

Reporting/Repairing Damage

•  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.
• 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.

• Report damages to your home, business, roads or other public infrastructure to qualify our community for federal aid. See links at: disaster.pinellas.gov.
• Do not do work on your home that is beyond your limitations, especially with large tree branches.
• Make sure contractors you hire are licensed – unlicensed or fraudulent contractors often target desperate homeowners in the aftermath of hurricanes. 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.

Crisis Cleanup

Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able assist with jobs such as mucks outs (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.

Water & Sewer Issues

• Pinellas County Utilities has more than 100 pump stations that are non-operational due to power outages.
• Minimize flushing toilets, washing dishes, laundry, dishwashers etc. to prevent wastewater backing up.
• If you see water bubbling out of manholes, please report them by calling (727) 464-4000.  

Lost Pets

• If you have lost or found a pet, visit pinellas.gov/lost-and-found.
• The Pinellas County Animal Services shelter is closed Friday, Sept. 27, but anticipates opening Saturday morning. At that time, you can visit the Pinellas County Animal Services’ Found Center to check for your lost pet or drop off a found pet at 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo.
• Found Center hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can check other local animal shelters as well.
• If you find a lost pet on Friday, Sept. 27, you may be able to take it to Tampa Bay Vet Specialists Emergency Center, 1601 S. Belcher Road, Largo. Call first: (727) 531-5752.

Get updates on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by visiting disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov; search hashtag #PCHelene.