Storm, water and fire damage help for Martinez homeowners

Because Martinez is not a city, county government handles its public services. The community covers about 14.6 square miles and holds more than 14,000 housing units, mostly in wooded subdivisions. The land is fairly flat near the Richmond County line and grows hillier to the west, which affects how rain drains around homes.

Fire & Water Energy connects people with restoration companies but performs no work itself. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to refer you to an independent restoration contractor serving Martinez and the rest of Columbia County. Price and timing are between you and that contractor. For how referrals are handled, see how it works along with the referral disclosure.

Helene's toll and other Columbia County declarations

When Hurricane Helene crossed the region on September 26-27, 2024, more than 5,000 homes in Columbia County were damaged or destroyed, and one person died when a tree fell on a mobile home. Next door in Augusta, peak gusts were estimated above 100 mph. FEMA declaration DR-4830 included the county.

Columbia County was also part of FEMA declarations for a 2014 severe winter storm (an ice storm) and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Martinez sits around 361 feet in elevation, and its mix of pine, oak, sweet gum and hickory trees means wind and ice can easily send limbs onto roofs.

Water damage repair for Martinez subdivisions

Homes here are largely in suburban subdivisions. Common problems include failed water heaters, supply line bursts under sinks, AC condensate overflows during the long, humid summer, and roof leaks after trees or limbs come down. Ice storms like 2014's can freeze pipes in exterior walls and attics.

A competent water damage repair contractor will locate the source, extract water, check hidden moisture with meters and dry the structure before rebuilding. See water damage repair and ceiling water damage repair for details.

Federal disaster declarations that included Columbia County

FEMA records show Columbia County was included in 3 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (2 hurricane, 1 severe ice storm, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Martinez was affected. The most recent:

• 2024 – Hurricane Helene (DR-4830)
• 2017 – Hurricane Irma (DR-4338)
• 2014 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4165)

Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.

Fire cleanup and lingering smoke

Power outages after storms often lead people to use generators, candles and space heaters, all of which raise fire and carbon monoxide risks. Even a contained fire can leave soot and odor throughout a house.

Restoration contractors typically remove charred materials, clean soot according to surface, treat odors in framing and HVAC, and pack out contents that need specialized cleaning. Both fire damage cleanup and smoke damage cleanup have their own pages with more detail.

Tree damage, roof tarping and storm water

Helene showed how quickly a wooded neighborhood can turn into a debris field. A tree on the roof opens the attic to rain, soaking insulation and ceilings, and damage spreads the longer the opening stays uncovered. On hillier lots to the west, runoff can also push water against foundations and garage doors.

Hurricane damage cleanup usually begins with tarping and tree removal, followed by drying. Water that enters from outside should be treated as contaminated; see storm water damage restoration.

Mold after a storm or slow leak

Homes left without power for days after a hurricane lose air conditioning and dehumidification, and wet drywall or carpet can grow mold within a day or two in Georgia's humidity. Check attics and closets after any roof damage.

EPA guidance says mold patches smaller than about 10 square feet can usually be cleaned by the homeowner once the moisture is addressed. Larger areas, HVAC contamination or occupants with breathing problems call for a professional; see mold remediation.

Safety tips for Martinez residents

• Call 911 for fires, injuries, gas odors or downed lines.
• Stay away from trees tangled in power lines.
• Operate generators outside only, with exhaust directed away from the house.
• Shut off the water main if a pipe breaks.
• Photograph damage before removing debris.
• File a claim with your insurer; coverage depends on your policy.
• Follow Columbia County emergency management announcements.

Before hiring, check whether your state or county requires a license for the work. Evans, Grovetown and Augusta also appear on our Georgia service areas page.

Neighborhoods and nearby communities

Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Martinez):

• Evans · 3 mi
• North Augusta, SC · 6 mi
• Augusta · 7 mi
• Grovetown · 8 mi
• Aiken, SC · 21 mi
• Greenwood, SC · 47 mi

Restoration guides

• Hurricane Damage Cleanup
• Storm Water Damage Restoration
• Water Damage Repair
• Ceiling Water Damage Repair
• Mold Remediation
• Fire Damage Cleanup

Local resources for Martinez residents

• FEMA: Georgia Hurricane Helene (DR-4830)
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center

Sources

• Wikipedia: Martinez, Georgia
• Wikipedia: Effects of Hurricane Helene in Georgia

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