Hurricane & Natural Disasters
Please Note: time sensitive information for all tabs will be updated if our area of service is threatened by an oncoming storm during Hurricane Season June-November of 2025.
SCAMMERS ON THE PROWL
Unfortunately in the wake of disasters such as our recent hurricane events- unscrupulous contractors take the opportunity to scam people who have experienced damage and loss. Those particularly at risk are the vulnerable seniors in our community. Take a minute to educate yourself and share the information with others.
CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians About Disaster-Related Scams Following Hurricane Milton click here
PRICE GOUGING report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
Beware of Post-Hurricane Scams
Great in-depth information shared by one of our western counties click here
<<<Hurricane Scams- The Coalition for Independent Living is offering a free training on how to identify and avoid scams. Scan the QR code to register.
County Specific Information
Last Update: 2024
Please Note: Updates begin as a named storm becomes an imminent threat to our service area
Please click on your specific COUNTY and TOPIC to find the latest available resources.
RECOVERY INFORMATION IN GENERAL:
Safety Alert!
Portable Generators Produce High Levels of CO Very Quickly.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 or the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Using generators indoors, including in your garage, can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home and kill you and your loved ones. Use all gas-powered or charcoal burning equipment OUTSIDE ONLY, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, vents, and air intakes. Test/install CO Alarms to Save Lives.
Damage: Some of the counties in our service area also have web portals to report damage- go go links below.
Disaster Relief Applications & FEMA Assistance -
Four ways to apply- Calling-Online-Via FEMA App- Limited In-Person When Sites Available (expect & Plan for long car lines)
Residents whose homes or businesses have been damaged can apply for disaster relief funds through FEMA. You can begin your application at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).
* Document any property damage with photos and videos to assist with your claims (needed for home/auto insurance as well)
Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across affected states impacted by Helene and the response to Milton.If you had any damage from Hurricane Milton be sure to notify insurance representatives as soon as possible. Take photographs or a video of damaged areas to substantiate your claim. Prepare a detailed inventory of damaged or destroyed property for the adjuster. Include a description of the item, the date of purchase, the cost at the time of purchase and the estimated replacement cost.
Crisiscleanup.org will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with: muck out, trees, tarps, and debris only. Services are free, but not guaranteed due to overwhelming need. Hotline open through Friday 10-25-24
Crisis Cleanup Hotline: 1844-965-1386 (Línea Directa de limpieza de Huracanes Helene y Milton)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.
Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502
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
Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers. The number is 833-514-2940
Reunification and other emergency assistance:
The American Red Cross - Reunification Portal and more at: www.redcross.org/get-help
also call 1-800-Red Cros (1-800-733-2767)
Another assistance portal:
Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more.
https://hopeflorida.com/get-help/hurricanemilton.html
Many resources above taken from https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/Hurricanemilton/
Business Support
The State of Florida has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton, including St. Lucie County. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.
Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses, and loans of up to $150,000 are available for citrus and cattle operations. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources.
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Milton. Interested applicants can apply now through Dec. 4 or until all available funds are expended.
211 - partners with emergency management services and local agencies in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast to get you the information needed to prepare, endure, and recover from adverse events. If you see any need for additions, deletions, or corrections, please email: 211Disaster@211pbtc.org
If you are experiencing any urgent mental or medical emergency, please don’t hesitate to call 911.
***Additional State and National Recovery Resources- Scroll Down***
“Other Helpful Resources/Tips” and “Resources for Small Businesses & Organizations”
Hurricane Season runs
Sat, Jun 1, 2024 – Sat, Nov 30, 2024
Be prepared. We encourage all individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to take stock, plan, and get prepared. There are several things you can do before a storm to make sure you are ready. To get started download the planning guide by clicking on the button below.
Also view Hurricane Preparation section below.
Before, During, and After 211 HelpLine provides the most up-to-date information on services for your everyday needs and in times of crisis.
Call 2-1-1 or (866) 882-2991
Marque 2-1-1 para asistencia en español
Dial 2-1-1 pou asistans an kreyòl
Information will update continually when a named storm has a chance of impact, please check frequently. For the most up-to-date information follow us on Facebook. Also follow your local television and radio broadcast stations.
Although every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast makes no guarantees, express or implied for any error or omissions of the resources contained on the hurricane web pages.
211 - partners with emergency management services and local agencies in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast to get you the information needed to prepare, endure, and recover from adverse events. If you see any need for additions, deletions, or corrections, please email: 211Disaster@211pbtc.org
If you are experiencing any urgent mental or medical emergency, please don’t hesitate to call 911.
National Hurricane Center - Tropical Storm Names Click Here
For the latest weather advisory and tracking information, visit the National Hurricane Center’s website.
Hurricane Preparations
Create A Hurricane/Disaster Kit Today!
As we stay on the lookout for upcoming storms, think about what to keep on hand in order to be prepared. The Florida Division of Emergency Management recommends that you maintain a well-stocked emergency preparedness kit to last you and your family for a minimum of seven days. Each individual or family disaster supply kit differs based on personal needs. Review the list below for the basic items to include in your kit.
Water: Enough for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes—pack a minimum of 1 gallon daily per person for 7 days.
Food: Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices, snacks and foods for those with dietary restrictions (e.g., infants and people with diabetes).
Cooking Supplies: Manual can opener, cooking tools and fuel, paper plates, and plastic utensils.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
Pillows, Blankets and/or Sleeping Bags
Clothing: Complete change of clothes suitable for the current climate and include sturdy shoes to protect feet from debris or other sharp objects post-storm.
First Aid Kit, Prescription Medication, and Other Medicines: Include a first aid kit and plan to bring medications that you need. After a storm, you may have limited supplies of your prescription medications and your local pharmacy may close. Keep an updated list of each medication you take, its dosing instructions, and the name and contact information of the prescribing doctor.
Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio.
Toiletries
Cleaning Supplies: Garbage bags, moisture wipes and other items.
Cash: Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster.
Important Documents: Store all critical documents in a waterproof container and save electronically. Documents like insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Contact List: Keep an updated list of all important contacts, including doctors, friends, relatives, out-of-state friends, or relatives.
Special Items: Assess all family member needs. Plan for infants, elderly and individuals with access and functional needs (e.g., medical items and baby bottles).
Pet Care Items: Proper identification, immunization records, ample supply of food and water, carrier or cage, medications, muzzle and leash, and a photo of you and your pet together to validate ownership.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CLICK HERE or click on the “Ready” image to the right
Also visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/
How to Prepare Your Kit - 2 min
Other Helpful Resources/Tips
Scams and Price Gouging 1-866-9NOSCAM (1-866-966-7226)
During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber, equipment, and storm-related services needed as a direct result of the event.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by using the No Scam app, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. Attorney General Moody’s No Scam app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices through the app store by searching No Scam.
FloridaDisaster.org
Division of Emergency Management
Hurricane Recovery - Cleaning Up The Mess
FEMA
Step-By-Step Storm Clean-up
Sourgum Waste
Disaster Prep & Recovery
University of Florida
Florida Homeowner Handbook
University of Florida
Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery
University of Florida
The Disaster Handbook
University of Florida
Treating Damaged Trees & Palms
University of Florida
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) Guide
Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)
Strength After Disaster
National Disaster Distress Helpline.
Benefits.gov
During Hurricane season, it is important to know what resources are available to you and loved ones should a disaster strike.
Benefit Finder - Questionnaire for 1,000 state and federal assistance programs
Coronavirus FAQ page
Resources for Small Businesses & Organizations
Prepare for Emergencies
Small Business Administration
Preparedness Planning for Your Business
Ready.gov
Hurricane Preparedness for Businesses
Travelers Insurance
Know Where to Find Shelter
The time may arise when you may need to evacuate your home to go to a safer place. In certain situations, it may be safest for you to evacuate to a more secure location like a shelter. A hurricane evacuation shelter is a refuge of last resort; a place to go if you are not able to evacuate to a hotel or the home of a relative, friend, or co-worker. Hurricane shelters are also available for people who have no other place to go. The Florida Division of Emergency Management maintains a list of open shelters on their website.
If you know or care for an individual with a disability or special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, you should pre-register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry. Registering through the Florida Special Needs Registry allows local emergency management officials to provide important information and quickly assist you during an emergency. For more information, call your county’s emergency management office or visit the Florida Special Needs Registry at https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/ .
If you are eligible for a Special Needs Shelter, your kit should include the following:
A list of medications and dosage
A 30-day supply of medications
Vital medical equipment for those who may be electrically or oxygen dependent
Back-up energy sources for essential medical equipment
Any special dietary needs or food
Personal information including:
Photo ID
Insurance card
List of emergency contacts
Your primary care provider's contact information