Manatee County Issues Health and Safety Guidance Following Hurricane Milton

MANATEE COUNTY — As Manatee County continues to assess the impact of Hurricane Milton, residents are urged to prioritize their health and well-being during recovery efforts. In addition to physical safety precautions, mental health support is critical in coping with the aftermath of the storm. The following guidelines may be helpful in helping to protect both physical and emotional well-being.

First Aid and Health Safety
Residents should take immediate action to address any injuries sustained during the storm or cleanup efforts:

• Treat Open Wounds Promptly: Any open wounds, especially those exposed to floodwaters, must be cleaned and treated immediately to prevent infection. Floodwaters can contain harmful bacteria and contaminants.
• Seek Medical Attention: If you or someone else has suffered an injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Injuries like deep cuts or puncture wounds may require tetanus shots or additional medical treatment. Do not delay in getting professional care.

• Check In with Family and Friends: Regularly reach out to family members, friends, and neighbors to ensure everyone is emotionally coping with the event. The recovery period can be overwhelming, and maintaining communication is essential for mutual support.
• Seek Support If Overwhelmed: It is normal to feel stressed, anxious, or even depressed in the wake of a disaster. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, do not hesitate to seek professional mental health support. Many organizations offer counseling services, including the [Local Mental Health Hotline] or [National Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990].

Recovering from a major storm can be mentally exhausting. Manatee County is committed to supporting all residents and visitors as they recover both physically and emotionally from the storm’s effects. First aid, medical attention, and mental health care are critical elements of a full recovery. Please take the time to care for yourself and those around you.

Please continue to monitor local news and weather broadcasts as well as the County's social media accounts for updates. Official storm information from Manatee County at is always updated at mymanatee.org/storm.