The Frances and Jeanne Anniversary: A Storm-Prep Guide
Two hurricanes made landfall near Stuart just three weeks apart in September 2004. Here's the documented history, and why the anniversary is still worth marking on a prep calendar.
ReadStuart, FL guide
Hurricane Season Prep for the Treasure Coast
Hurricane season is a real, annual planning window for every Stuart property. Here's how to prep before it peaks, and what Martin County's own debris-removal program actually covers.
The Season, By the Calendar
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 every year, and Stuart and the rest of the Treasure Coast — Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties — sit squarely within the region that plans around it. That six-month window is long enough that prep is worth spreading out rather than scrambling in a single week once a storm shows up in the forecast.
What Martin County's Debris-Removal Program Actually Does
Martin County Public Works runs an active, real post-storm debris-removal program aligned with FEMA guidelines. It separates storm debris into six categories: vegetative debris, construction and demolition debris, appliances, electronics, household hazardous waste (things like paints, oils, pesticides and batteries), and household garbage. Residents on gated or private roads need to submit a signed Right of Entry Agreement before county crews can access debris on those roads. Bulk yard-waste pickup is coordinated through Waste Management at (772) 546-7700, and storm-specific tracking is available at wmfloridastorm.com.
Prepping a Property Before the Season Peaks
The most effective hurricane prep happens well before a storm is actually in the forecast. Walk your property early in the season and look for dead or overhanging limbs that could come down in high wind, loose fencing, outdoor furniture or equipment that could become wind-driven debris, and any accumulated yard waste worth clearing before it becomes a hazard. Getting that material off the property and into a container ahead of the season removes exactly the kind of loose debris that turns into a bigger problem once a storm actually arrives.
Cleanup After a Storm Passes
Once a storm has passed and it's safe to assess your property, speed matters for storm debris — downed limbs, damaged roofing, and any wind-driven material scattered across the yard. Keeping vegetative debris separate from construction and demolition debris, and both separate from household hazardous waste, lines up directly with how Martin County's own program processes storm debris — and it tends to make cleanup faster on your end too.
Sizing for Hurricane Season
Routine pre-season yard cleanup and prep work often fits a 10 or 15 yard container. Post-storm cleanup involving downed limbs, damaged roofing or larger debris volumes more often calls for a 20 or 30 yard.
| Size | Dimensions | Capacity | Weight included | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Yard Dumpster | 14 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 3.5 ft high | 50–70 bags | 1–2 tons | Small cleanouts, roofing shingles, tight driveways. |
| 15 Yard Dumpster | 16 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 4.5 ft high | 80–100 bags | 2–3 tons | Flooring, bathroom or kitchen updates, multi-room cleanouts. |
| 20 Yard Dumpster | 22 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 4.5 ft high | 110–130 bags | 3–4 tons | Medium remodels, roofing jobs, light construction. |
| 30 Yard Dumpster | 22 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 6 ft high | 170–190 bags | 4–5 tons | Whole-home projects, office cleanouts. |
| 40 Yard Dumpster | 22 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 8 ft high | 230–250 bags | 5–6 tons | Large builds, commercial or industrial jobs. |
Booking Ahead of the Season, or After a Storm
Call (772) 266-7760 before hurricane season's peak months arrive, and again the moment it's safe to assess any storm damage on your property. We'll size the container and get it delivered as quickly as our schedule allows, priced flat-rate throughout.
Talk to a real person
Ready to book a container in Stuart?
Call and describe the job. Flat-rate pricing, a sized container, and a delivery time on the same call.
Call (772) 266-7760
Mon–Sat 7:00am – 7:00pm
From this guide
Frequently asked questions
When is hurricane season on the Treasure Coast?
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 every year, covering Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
What does Martin County's storm debris program cover?
Martin County Public Works separates storm debris into six categories — vegetative, construction/demolition, appliances, electronics, household hazardous waste, and household garbage — coordinated with FEMA guidelines.
Do I need to sign anything if I live on a gated or private road?
Yes — residents on gated or private roads need to submit a signed Right of Entry Agreement before county crews can access debris there.
What size dumpster do I need after storm damage?
Routine pre-season yard cleanup often fits a 10 or 15 yard. Post-storm cleanup involving downed limbs or roofing damage more often calls for a 20 or 30 yard.
Keep reading
More guides from the team
Martin County's Steady Growth and What It Means for New Construction Cleanup
Martin County's growth is real but modest, not rapid — and that steady growth shows up directly in the construction and renovation work we see across Stuart and Martin County.
Read
Downtown Stuart and Riverwalk Area Cleanout Guide
Downtown Stuart's historic core is a real, well-documented part of the city, and cleanout or renovation work there comes with its own considerations. Here's what to expect.
Read