09/28/2024
Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on September 24th that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Florida to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning September 23rd and continuing.
For FEMA disaster recovery updates following Hurricane Helene, check HERE.
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Federal Emergency Declaration
Public Assistance: State, local, tribal and territorial governments and certain private-non-profit organizations in these designated counties are eligible for assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Learn more about the Public Assistance program.
FEMA is authorized to provide Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support at 75 percent federal funding for the counties of Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla.
FEMA is also authorized to provide Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance for the counties of Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Escambia, Hamilton, Holmes, Marion, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Sumter, Union, Walton, and Washington.
To check on the status of disaster assistance available to individuals and families, click HERE.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Disaster survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.
As Disaster Recovery Centers open post-landfall, you can find the location closest to you HERE.
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Internal Revenue Services
Find information on the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations in Florida HERE. See FAQs for disaster victims for information about the definition of an affected taxpayer.
To learn more about Internal Revenue Services (IRS) updates following Hurricane Helene, visit HERE.
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Florida Division of Emergency Management
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has outlined all available resources for Floridians and will continue to update as resources become available.
Visit HERE for more information.
Volunteer Resources
Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers. The number is 833-514-2940
Samaritan's Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234
Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work & Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.
2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls
Individuals can call for up-to-the-minute information including school closures and sandbag distributions.
Local Social Services Referral.
Red Cross Hotline is open to assist survivors: 1-800-Red Cross
Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123
Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
Volunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work and Muck outs
Crisis Cleanup number: 844-965-1386
Activate Hope Disaster Assistance Form
Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more.
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Need Assistance?
Call the Florida State Assistance Information Line for additional resources and updated information: 1-800-342-3557
In case of an emergency, please hang up and dial 911
There are English, Spanish and Creole speakers available to answer questions.
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Floridians in need of assistance with federal resources following the impacts of Hurricane Helene can contact Senator Scott’s office at: www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework
If you are suspicious of fraud, please report it immediately at: FraudFreeFlorida.com
Attorney General's Price Gouging Hotline: 1-866-966-7226 or visit MyFloridaLegal.com
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: 1-800-435-7352
Report Insurance Fraud: https://first.fldfs.com/
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After a Storm
If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until local emergency managers say it is safe to do so.
Be mindful of debris and down power lines.
Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to.
Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators, or while removing debris. Never use generators indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents.
Stay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.
Do not drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards.
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Hurricane Preparedness Resources Websites
FEMA: Visit FEMA for up-to-date information, support, services and to apply for disaster assistance following a storm.
SBA: Visit SBA to learn about low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from a major disaster.
FloridaDisaster.org: Visit FloridaDisaster.org for resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan for your family.
National Hurricane Center: Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats.
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Helpful Accounts on Twitter
Local Sheriff's Office
Local Emergency Operations Centers
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