Florida Hurricane Resources

Hurricane Emergency Resources

Florida resource guide for those impacted by Hurricane Helene & Milton

During the recovery process, our team will be adding and updating the Florida guide as more information and resources become available. Undeniably, Hurricane Milton will have a significant impact, just as Hurricane Helene has shown throughout the Southeast. Above all, your safety is our priority, and we stand ready to support you every step of the way. 


Florida Evacuation Procedures

Resource Service Phone Email
Florida Disaster Evacuation orders by county 850-815-4000
FDEM Know Your Zone Find evacuation zones and live storm updates 850-815-4000

Florida Shelters

Resource Service Phone Email
Red Cross: Central Florida Shelter, additional resources, and storm updates 813-348-4820
Red Cross: North Florida Shelter, additional resources, and storm updates 904-358-8091
Red Cross: South Florida Shelter, additional resources, and storm updates 561-833-7711
Florida Disaster: Open Shelters General population shelter, special needs shelters, shelters of last resort, and a open shelter  map 850-815-4000
Florida Disaster: Shelters by County Open shelters by county 850-815-4000
Cause IQ Animal shelter locations and resources

Florida Traffic Updates

Resource Service Phone Email
FL511 Real-time traffic map with travel times, traffic accident details, traffic cameras, and other road conditions 866-511-3352 fdot.servicedesk@dot.state.fl.us
Florida Highway Patrol Live traffic, crash, and road condition report Local Stations  FHP@flhsmv.gov

Florida Disaster Relief

Resource Service Phone Email
Florida Commerce Private Sector Assess damage 850-815-4925
Salvation Army Disaster relief and food resources 800-725-2769 Submit Contact Form
FEMA Potential government assistance 202-646-2500 Local Contact Information

National Organizations for Donations

Resource Service Phone Email
Habitat for Humanity Help communities impacted by the recent hurricanes 800-422-4828 Inquiry Form
Samaritan’s Purse International disaster relief 833-801-7746 info@samaritan.org
All Hands and Hearts Volunteer disaster relief 508-758-8211 info@allhandsandhearts.org
Volunteer Florida National volunteer service to local communities 850-414-7400 info@volunteerflorida.org
United Ways Suncoast Mid and long-term recovery efforts 813-274-0900 Submit Contact Form
Greater Good Charities Help families and pets affected by natural disasters Submit Contact Form
Feeding Tampa Bay Provide food and resources for local Florida communities

813-710-9003

Submit Contact Form

 

Navigating FEMA Assistance Post Hurricane Helene and Milton

What You Need to Know

As the dust settles from Hurricane Helene, many individuals and families are left grappling with the aftermath and seeking assistance. With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall tomorrow, the need for recovery resources may soon increase. One key resource available to those impacted by these storms is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Understanding how to navigate FEMA assistance can make a significant difference in your recovery process.

What is FEMA Assistance?

FEMA provides assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters, including those like Hurricane Helene and potentially Hurricane Milton, through various programs. These programs are designed to help with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. For more information on how FEMA is preparing for Hurricane Milton and what resources are available, check out their page: FEMA Hurricane Milton

Types of Assistance Available

  1. Individual Assistance: This program helps cover essential needs such as temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property replacement. If your property was damaged or destroyed in either hurricane, you might qualify for grants to help you recover.
  2. Public Assistance: This program is geared towards state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations to aid in response and recovery efforts. While this may not apply directly to individuals, it’s worth noting that these funds support community rebuilding. FEMA made a recent statement on Instagram naming Hurricane Helene as “one of the largest mobilizations of federal personnel, partners, and resources in recent history.”
  3. Hazard Mitigation Assistance: If you’re looking to make long-term improvements to reduce the risk of future disasters, this program can provide funding for projects that enhance community resilience. These improvements are especially important in regions that are still recovering from Hurricane Helene and may soon experience Hurricane Milton. 

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

  1. Register for Assistance: The first step is to register with FEMA. You can do this online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Make sure to have essential information on hand, such as your address, insurance policy details, and income information.
  2. Gather Documentation: Documentation is crucial for your application. Gather photos and videos of the damage (if and when it’s safe to do so), receipts for any expenses related to the disaster, and any insurance claim information. This will help support your application and could expedite the process.
  3. Meet Deadlines: FEMA has specific deadlines for applications, so it’s important to act accordingly. Ensure you are aware of the deadlines for Hurricane Helene’s disaster declaration, and keep an eye on potential deadlines for Hurricane Milton.
  4. Follow-up: After submitting your application, you’ll receive a FEMA registration number. Keep this number handy, as you’ll need it for any follow-up inquiries. Check your status regularly through the FEMA website or helpline.

Understanding the Claims Process

After applying, FEMA will review your application and may send an inspector to assess the damage. Be prepared for this visit by having all necessary documentation ready, including photos of the damage and your insurance policy details. For assistance with the insurance claim process, our team is ready to help in any way we can. 

Why Partner with Premier Claims?

Navigating FEMA assistance after a disaster is never easy, and with Hurricane Milton on the horizon, the stress and uncertainty is unimaginable. We want you to know you’re not alone. Our team of experienced public adjusters is dedicated to standing by your side, advocating for you, and fighting for you to receive the support and adequate compensation you’re owed per your insurance policy. Together, we’ll start to put the pieces back together. 

Whether you’re recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation or bracing yourself for Hurricane Milton, know that you aren’t alone. This is a time for resilience, and Premier Claims is here to help you navigate the complexities of the claims process. Focus on what truly matters—taking care of yourself, your loved ones, and your future. Contact our team today to begin your recovery process.

Hurricane Milton’s Looming Threat

A Hurricane for the History Books—Made Worse by the Wreckage from Hurricane Helene

As Florida anxiously awaits the arrival of Hurricane Milton, many policyholders are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The combination of uncollected debris and an intensifying storm sets the stage for a “worst-case scenario.” Residents should brace for potentially catastrophic impacts as the storm’s trajectory threatens the already fragile communities. Milton is no ordinary hurricane, and Helene’s remaining debris (which may be the biggest threat) —amplifies the potential for devastation.

 

The Aftermath of Helene: Debris as Dangerous Missiles

Helene swept across Florida just a few weeks ago, wreaking havoc across major parts of the Gulf Coast. This storm left mountains of debris, ranging from uprooted trees, mangled fences, and destroyed homes, scattered across neighborhoods. Despite ongoing cleanup efforts, large areas remain cluttered with potentially dangerous materials. 

As Hurricane Milton strengthens, the National Hurricane Center warns these debris piles could easily become piles of deadly projectiles, posing severe risks to life and property. Milton’s intense winds and storm surges could send everything from furniture to fallen trees flying through the air. 

According to USA Today, Milton has rapidly gained strength, escalating from 85 mph to a Category 5 Hurricane. The storm has strengthened from a Category 2 to a Category 5 in mere hours—creating what meteorologists call a life-threatening wall of water. “Milton is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge and winds capable of devastating damage. Combined with Helene’s debris, the state is facing one of the most compounded threats in its hurricane history,” USA Today. 

Volunteers and first responders are working at rapid speeds in relief efforts, hoping to do as much as they can in Florida before Hurricane Milton makes its mark. ABC News reported, “Nearly 500 truckloads of debris from the barrier islands and Pinella County have been moved to debris landfills in the last 24 hours.”

Policyholder Impacts: Increased Threats, Increased Costs

For Florida property owners, Hurricane Milton poses a compounded risk. If your property was damaged by Helene and you’re awaiting repairs, Milton could worsen the situation. Even if your property was spared in Helene, the potential for damage in Milton remains high, thanks to both the debris and the sheer force of Milton’s winds and storm surges. 

One major concern is the increased potential for water damage. Many areas have drainage systems that have been compromised by debris blockages from Hurricane Helene. Communities in Tampa Bay, for instance, are bracing for more intense flooding than they experienced during Hurricane Helene. Helene’s storm surge already shattered records in multiple counties, including Pinella, where water levels surged over two feet higher than previous records. Milton is projected to follow in Helene’s destructive footprint.

If you haven’t already, reach out to your carrier for a copy of your full insurance policy. Consider having your policy reviewed by professionals to understand your coverage fully. To request a policy review from our team, you can submit a request here: Free Policy Review.

Hurricane Milton’s Path: What to Expect

Florida is now high on alerts, with the National Hurricane Center predicting a catastrophic landfall Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded the state of emergency to 51 of 76 counties, urging residents to finalize their hurricane preparations. To put it into perspective, this puts 76% of the state at risk. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warns, “Time is going to start running out very, very soon,” ABC News reported.

The National Hurricane Center predicts, “heavy rainfall will impact portions of Florida today well ahead of Milton.” This rainfall could bring with it severe flash flooding in neighborhoods and rivers. 

Hurricane Milton’s sustained winds, already approaching 160 mph, are being fueled by the deep, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Experts predict it could make landfall as a strong Category 3 or Category 4 storm. While there’s hope the wind shear may weaken the storm before landfall, meteorologists still warn how dangerous the severity of this storm may be—making this a significant threat for all Florida property owners. 

A Perfect Storm for Catastrophic Damage

With Hurricane Milton expected to intensify, policyholders should not underestimate the threat posed by lingering debris from Helene. This one-two punch of hurricanes could go down as one of the most catastrophic in Florida’s history. The key now is preparation. While Floridians are understandably exhausted, this is the time to secure homes, stay informed, and hope for the best while preparing for the worst. Our team is ready to assist in any way we can; reach out today for immediate assistance. Remember—your safety is the number one priority.