Salvation Army: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/
Volunteer Florida: https://www.volunteerflorida.org/
Americares Diaster Relief: https://www.americares.org/
DISASTER RELIEF INFORMATION
USA.GOV: https://www.usa.gov/disasters-and-emergencies
FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/
For those affected by a hurricane and seeking relief assistance, the first thing you must do is register with www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.
Operators are multilingual and calls are answered seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
FEMA coordinates response to disasters occurring within the United States. Those who have suffered significant damage to their homes can apply for government assistance on their home page: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Contact the FEMA Helpline if you have questions about:
- The help offered by FEMA.
- How to apply for assistance.
- Information in your account.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible meeting places set up after a disaster. There you can learn about FEMA or other assistance programs. You may also ask questions about your case or seek guidance on other disaster-related issues. The services offered at each DRC may vary. To find a DRC near you, use the DRC Locator web page to find addresses and DRC details. Find info like the hours of operation, services offered, and driving directions.
Legal Aid Hotline: 866-550-2929
A legal aid hotline is available for hurricane survivors in Florida who cannot pay for an attorney.
Assistance through this hotline is available to qualified Floridians affected by hurricanes in all Florida counties. Those who qualify will be matched with Florida lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help such as:
- Securing FEMA and other benefits
- Making life, medical and property insurance claims
- Dealing with home repair contractors
- Replacing wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the hurricane
- Helping with consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
- Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems or landlord/tenant issues
Disaster Assistance Insurance Helpline
Florida Department of Financial Services Disaster Assistance 1-800-22-STORM (800-227-8676) or 1-850-413-3089
Florida Division of Consumer Services 1-877-693-5236, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, EST.
You can speak directly with individuals who can help you review your policies to understand your coverage, help you file claims for damage and offer assistance in the event that you are having trouble communicating with your insurance company. Office of Insurance Regulations-Division of Financial Services: myfloridacfo.com 877-693-5236
The Children and Disasters webpage reflects resources available to support the integration and implementation of children’s disaster related needs into preparedness, planning, response and recovery efforts initiated by state, local and tribal governments, as well as stakeholders responsible for the temporary care of children.
Emergency Financial Toolkit – This toolkit is designed to help you organize your financial information before and after an emergency.
Pet-friendly lodging: BringFido.com
National Hurricane Center for up-to-date storm information.
NOAA Radio Broadcast Channels for Highlands County 162.500 & 162.550 MHz
Crisis Clean-up (Ex: debris): crisiscleanup.org — 800-451-1954
FREE Tarps: Army Corp of Engineers: 888-766-3258
United Way’s 2-1-1 888-370-7188 Text your zip code to 898-211
uw211help@gmail.com navigateresources.net/211CommunityResources
Gasoline: gasbuddy.com
Internet Access
spectrum.com/internet/wifi-access-points
