INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Cleanup efforts are underway around Indian River County following Hurricane Matthew.
All Indian River County Schools have been given the “all clear,” according to Spokesman for Schools Flynn Fidgeon. Normal school operations will resume Monday, Oct. 10.
The Salvation Army of Indian River County has two food and water distribution sites at 5th St. SW across from the Skate factory and one in Sebastian on Barber Street near the Fire Station south of County Road 512.
The county is no longer under any Hurricane or Tropical Storm watches or warnings, according to the National Weather Service and local authorities have issued the all-clear.
“Indian River County was spared great catastrophic damage,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Etta LoPresti.
There have been no known injuries, according to Indian River County Spokesman Eric Flowers. Two trees did fall, hitting houses – one in the 1200 block of 28th Street, and the other in the 1200 block of 35th Avenue that exposed the interior of the home.
There is standing water in Smugglers Cove as of the 9:30 a.m. Friday update. The Indian River County Courthouse suffered minor water damage to the second and third floors.
Total customers of Vero Electric affected is standing at 1 percent effected.
“Overall I think FPL has done a great job,” said Fellsmere City Manager Jason Nunemaker. “They made a point to reach out before the event and have been in contact throughout the outage. Their quick response to our critical infrastructure ensured no disruption to utility customers (water service).”
There were many reports of downed power lines, according to authorities.
Winds in Indian River County were sustained at 45-55 mph, with 65-70 mph gusts. Seas reached 35-40 feet and 15-20 feet at shore. Authorities are waiting on how much beach erosion occurred.
Authorities are now turning their focus to getting a damage assessment. They will begin checking the main arteries of the county.
No decision will be made on students returning to schools until the buildings are inspected, said Indian River County Superintendent Mark Rendell. A decision may come around noon Saturday.
“We were safe through the storm, let’s stay safe after the storm,” said County Administrator Jason Brown. Authorities went on to make sure people use caution, and be careful as everyone transitions into the cleanup phase.
MORE INFORMATION:
- For updated information visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
- Get a free Indian River County preparedness app here: http://readydl.com/landing/eoc12061/index.html
- All Hurricane Matthew related questions should be directed to (772) 226-4000. That is the Emergency Operations Center number.
The Emergency Operations Center has released the following:
Make sure you have all of your supplies now – at least 3 days of food and water, flashlights and batteries, NOAA weather radio, etc.
If you have a generator, make sure it is in working order and you have fuel.
Make sure you have everything you need to put up your shutters – all the hardware, etc.
Unsure what you need to be doing, download the IRC Disaster Guide at http://www.irces.com/EM/documents/Disaster-Preparedness.pdf or you can pick up a copy at any of the Indian River County Libraries, the County Administration Building, or at the Emergency Operations Center.