Topic : Hurricane Season: Disaster Help

This following list represents the best information available at the time of publication. It has been compiled from multiple sources, including press reports, utility data, and information from local authorities. Note, your utility or county emergency contact will have the latest and most up-to-date information.

Contact Poison Control right away if you suspect a poisoning. Help is available online with webPOISONCONTROL® or by phone at 1-800-222-1222.
Both options are free, expert, and confidential

The Disaster Distress Helpline has information on hurricane distress risk factors and warning signs, plus resources for coping.
Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990

Dial 988 then press 1 or, text to 838255
24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s (DAIP) mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners.
You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling 1-800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.

***If you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot aid with losses already covered by insurance.***

A partnership between the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM). Provides information about preparedness resources, current disaster updates, and access to recovery programs for businesses.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is working with state and federal officials to provide information on disaster relief resources and information. This webpage provides available resources to assist you or those you know with recovery efforts. Florida Housing will continue to provide updates as more resources and information becomes available.

Enterprise Florida has launched a Disaster Assistance Resources Page with a list of state and federal resources available for businesses to utilize in their mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.

The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is a toll-free hotline activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting the State of Florida.
The SAIL hotline is: 1-800-342-3557.

Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of Operation Blue Roof is to provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs.
This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.

The Department of Children and Families is releasing food assistance benefits earlier than scheduled to Floridians that may be impacted by Hurricane Ian. This is an early release of regular benefits, not a distribution of additional funds. There is no need to apply for the early release; eligible recipients will have the benefits automatically added to their EBT card. Check back here for additional updates.

Unemployment benefits for individuals unemployed as a result of the disaster that are not covered by regular state or private unemployment insurance. Applicants have 30 days to file after the disaster is announced. Phone: (800) 204-2418

Check here for closures / re-openings and adjusted hours

Rx Open provides information on the operating status of healthcare facilities in areas impacted by a disaster. When the map is active for an event, users can use the Facilities map to search for individual facility status. The Counties map displays a summary of operating status at the county level.

Direct link to the Red Cross donation page

The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to provide financial assistance to our communities as they respond to and recover from times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with public, private, and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. To contribute, please click the link above or text DISASTER to 20222.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation is accepting donations to help communities recently impacted by Hurricane Ian. If you would like to make a donation to help with both immediate relief and any necessary long-term rebuilding, please fill out the from below. Gulf Coast donors can make a gift through their Donor Advised Fund.

Volunteer Florida (officially recognized as the Florida Commission on Community Service) promotes disaster resiliency and advocate for volunteerism in Florida. Post-Hurricane Andrew, it evolved to serve as the state’s lead agency for mobilizing volunteers and coordinating donations before, during and after disasters.

Harry Chapin Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief nonprofit and the only Feeding America member in Southwest Florida, serving Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.