FEMA - 4673 | FEMA.gov
● Individual Assistance - The Individual Assistance Program is designed to coordinate assistance provided to individuals, households, and businesses recovering from disaster or emergency impacts. After the president signs a disaster declaration, it is important to inform affected individuals and businesses through press releases and outreach efforts that programs are available to them in obtaining any entitled aid.
o The first step for individuals and businesses needing assistance should be through the toll-free tele-registration hotline, available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY: 1-800-462-7585).
o Specially trained operators at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Tele-registration Center will process the application. Once this is accomplished, further assistance may be coordinated through a Disaster Recovery Center (disclaimer: link is only functional during a disaster), which may be established in each of the declared counties or regionally. Representatives of federal, state, local, and volunteer organizations are made available to help disaster survivors who are applying for assistance.
● FEMA Housing Claims - The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. 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.
o NOTE: If you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot aid with losses already covered by insurance.
● FEMA Florida State and Local Level Referrals - When a disaster occurs, local governments often work together with community leaders and organizations to provide on-the-ground emergency management. You may also reference the FEMA national-level referrals list.
● Apply for Federal Assistance
VOLUNTEER
● Volunteer Florida has a list of volunteer opportunities, both in-person and virtual. Find a list here: bit.ly/3Rvsvna.
● You can sign up to volunteer with the Salvation Army here: disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/volunteer/new/. For new volunteers, training is necessary before heading to a disaster site.
● More information on becoming a Red Cross volunteer is available here: rdcrss.org/3RpkFeq.
STATEWIDE
Call Centers
● 211 | United Way Worldwide - Has been activated as a non-emergency hotline that provides free and confidential information on health on health and human services. The 2-1-1 call re-staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily by trained information and referral specialists who quickly assess needs and refer callers to the help that they seek.
o The 211 team continues to gather information on new and emerging disaster support services to help connect and direct individuals and families to services to meet their immediate needs. Some of those resources can be found on our Hurricane Ian Recovery Resources webpage. This webpage will be updated regularly so please bookmark the page for reference in the days and weeks to come.
● State Assistance Information Line | Florida Disaster: 800-342-3557 - The Florida State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) has been activated to provide an additional resource for Floridians to receive up-to-date information regarding Hurricane Ian. Residents and visitors can call this toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3557. NOTE: In case of an emergency, please hang up and dial 911
Cleanup, Shelters, Accommodations & Transportation
● About: Crisis Cleanup - Helps volunteers help more people after disasters. Ian: (800) 451-1954
● Team Rubicon | Built To Serve (teamrubiconusa.org) - Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy. Whether you’re a military veteran or a skilled civilian, it’s time to step up to help communities in need. Create your profile here: Sign up | Roll Call (b2clogin.com)
● FloridaHousingSearch.org | Florida Apartments | Florida Rental Homes by Florida Housing Finance Corporation - Florida Housing has ensured that all current listings are up to date in the event that families need to quickly relocate at www.FloridaHousingSearch.org. Each SHIP office has an adopted disaster strategy that allows for assistance in the immediate aftermath of a declared disaster. Strategies may include temporary relocation and rental assistance, debris removal and short-term repairs to prevent further damage to the structure or to allow for occupancy until further repairs are made.
o For help searching and listing, please call 1-877-428-8844 (toll free) Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m Dial 7-1-1 for TTY
● Shelter Status | Florida Disaster - This page contains summary information for currently open general and special needs shelters within the State of Florida. For information from your county Emergency Management program regarding shelter preparedness and lists of potential shelters that may be opened, please visit Shelter Information Index and choose your county.
● Hurricane Ian Response | Florida | American Red Cross - They help anyone in need after a disaster, and everyone is welcome in our shelters. All disaster assistance is free and we don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and where they were living before the disaster.
● Expedia / Florida Emergency Accommodations - Visit Florida has partnered with Expedia to set up an emergency accommodations page. Anyone who has been ordered to evacuate due to Hurricane Ian can use this page to find available accommodations in other areas of the state by visiting: http://Expedia.com/Florida
● Florida Social Serve.com - Housing Resource Helpline - Socialserve.com is a non-profit organization that assist tenants and agencies in finding affordable housing for callers free of charge. Using a toll-free number, callers work with trained, bilingual call center specialists to find affordable housing. 877-428-8844
● Uber Rides to Evacuation Shelters - Uber is offering free round-trip rides, up to $30 each way, to and from a state-approved evacuation shelter. Details here on how to redeem a free round trip, up to $30 each way, to and from a state-approved evacuation shelter*.
o Open your app
o Tap “Account” on the bottom right
o Tap Wallet
o Scroll down to “+ Add Promo Code”
o Enter code IANRELIEF
o Select any of the Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Pasco County state-approved Florida evacuation shelters listed at floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters
▪ *Maximum discount of up to $30 per ride. Ride offer valid for up to two trips per rider. Driver-partner earnings will not be affected. Rides must be requested to or from any state-approved evacuation shelter in Florida. Promo code must be applied before requesting the ride for discount to apply. Discount does not apply to tips. Cannot be combined with other promotions/discounts. Terms subject to change. Limited availability.
● FL511| Florida Traffic | Commuter Information Road Conditions and Closures - For current road conditions and closures, visit www.FL511.com.
● U-Haul International, Inc. - U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box container usage at 43 Florida locations. As families evacuate and create their emergency plans ahead of Hurricane Ian, U-Haul is uniquely positioned to offer assistance. As part of our disaster relief program, we're able to provide secure locations for Florida residents to protect their possessions. Find more information here.
Food & Essential Needs
● Florida Department of Children and Families - Information and application assistance in filing for food stamps. 866-762-2237 Customer Call Center: 850-300-4323 TTY: 800-955-8771
● Florida Dept. of Health - Florida WIC Program - Nutrition evaluation and monthly vouchers to receive free supplemental, highly nutritious foods such as cereal, cheese, milk, eggs, peanut butter and dried beans. Call 800-342-3556
● FEEDING FLORIDA - This website refers applicants to all food banks in the State of Florida. 211 or 855-352-3663.
● All Faiths Food Bank - Referrals to organizations providing emergency food assistance. 941-379-633
● Red Cross - Red Cross is a voluntary agency that can aid the community. This can include clothing, food, charging stations, etc. Phone Number: 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767)
● Catholic Charities - Catholic Charities provide similar support as Red Cross and Volunteer Florida. Phone Number: 727-893-1313 Email: catholic.charities@ccdosp.org
● Florida Restores (The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church) -
Florida Restores (UMCOR) offers support in the way of materials, money, and volunteers for post-disaster recovery efforts. Phone Number: 1-855-CAT-FUMC (1-855-228-3862)
● Indian River, Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia. As Hurricane Ian moves through Florida, they will continue to monitor and evaluate the counties included in this offer.
Telecommunications
● Comcast - Comcast has opened Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Central, North and Southwest Florida, and the Panhandle for Xfinity customers and non-customers to stay connected during and after the storm. Details are available here.
● AT&T - AT&T is waiving talk, text, and data overage charges for AT&T Postpaid & PREPAID customers with billing addresses in 828 zip codes across Florida from September 28, 2022, through October 28, 2022, to keep customers connected before, during and after any major storm event.
● Spectrum Opens Out-of-Home WiFi Access Points Across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to Aid Hurricane Ian Response | - Charter Communications has opened nearly 175,000 Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi access points across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina in support of preparation for and response to Hurricane Ian. Spectrum WiFi access points are typically found in public parks, marinas, city streets, and other public areas. While many people are staying inside, Charter’s WiFi network will help ensure online connectivity* for those who need it outside of the home, including essential government employees, first responders, health-care workers and essential businesses. A map of access points is available at spectrum.com/internet/wifi-access-points.
● Verizon consumer (prepaid and postpaid) and small business customers - in parts of Florida will receive unlimited calling, texting and data September 28 through October 4, 2022. Accounts with billing addresses in the following Florida counties are included: Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Brevard, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia. As Hurricane Ian moves through Florida, they will continue to monitor and evaluate the counties included in this offer.
Other Government Supports
● Florida Disaster Fund - Volunteer Florida - 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 visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.
o Following an emergency or disaster in the State of Florida, the Volunteer Florida Foundation may release an application for funding for organizations involved in immediate response and/or long-term recovery efforts through the Florida Disaster Fund. Every disaster or emergency is different; therefore, funding may look different from event to event. At this time, there is not an application open – BUT this should change very soon.
● Florida County Emergency Management Managers - county_em_managers_no_region_coords.pdf (floridadisaster.org)
● Insurance: Florida Department of Financial Services -Toll Free Helpline - General insurance information and fraud reporting services. Call 877-693-5236.
● Identity Theft & Fraud: Florida Attorney General's Office - Information on price gouging and consumer complaint services. Fraud/Price Gouging: 866-966-7226 and Lemon Law: 800-321-5366
● Hurricane Ian Information (fldoe.org) School Districts & Higher Education Closures - The Florida Department of Education works closely with school districts before, during, and after natural disasters to ensure they have the resources necessary to resume normal operations as quickly as possible. We will continue collaborating with district leadership to address questions as they arise. At this time, the Department is monitoring the storm. Please continue to visit our website for updates.
● Office of Insurance Regulation - Office of Insurance Regulation can assist with homeowners and their insurance policy questions as well as make any complaints about their insurance providers. Phone Number: 850-413-3140 Email: InsuranceCommissioner@floir.com
● Department of Economic Opportunity - Department of Economic Opportunity is the website and phone number for businesses who can report damages; apply for disaster unemployment, small business bridge loans, and long-term recovery resources. Email: CDBG-DR@DEO.MyFlorida.com
LOCAL RESOURCES
● Community Foundation of Tampa Bay - Click HERE to visit the site and view local resources.
MANATEE
● Feeding Tampa Bay Food Bank – Call (813) 254-1190 to find a pantry near you or click the link to find a food pantry. Stay Informed – Text FTBFYI to (833) 530-3663.
● Manatee Community Foundation - Click HERE to visit the site and view local resources.
● United Way Suncoast - United Way Suncoast - Currently accepting donations for the Disaster Recovery Fund to assist those affected by Hurricane Ian. Support grants should be out soon.
SARASOTA
● Feeding Florida Food Bank – Call (941) 379-6333 to find a pantry near you or click the link to find a food pantry.
● Community Foundation of Sarasota County - Supporting Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund for All Communities - Click HERE to visit the site and view local resources.
● Home - The Patterson Foundation - Patterson Foundation planning to provide support to Sarasota community impacted by Ian. Comeback to website for more information.
● SarasotaCountyGov (@SRQCountyGov) / Twitter and City of Sarasota (@CityofSarasota) / Twitter - Follow to learn any updates about county and city news and resources.
● United Way of South Sarasota County Hurricane Ian Recovery and Relief Fund (everyaction.com) & Home (uwssc.org)
● United Way Suncoast - United Way Suncoast - Currently accepting donations for the Disaster Recovery Fund to assist those affected by Hurricane Ian. Support grants should be out soon.
CHARLOTTE
● Feeding Florida Food Bank – Call (239) 334-7007 to find a pantry near you or click the link to find a food pantry.
● Charlotte Community Foundation - Click HERE to visit the site and view local resources.
COLLIER
● City of Naples hurricane updates and alerts – Click HERE to subscribe to email updates or call the non-emergency hotline at (239) 213-4900.
● Feeding Florida Food Bank – Call (239) 334-7007 to find a pantry near you or click the link to find a food pantry.
● Community Foundation of Collier County - Click HERE to visit the site and view local resources.
● Hurricane Resources – United Way of Collier County (uwcollierkeys.org) - Find resources and important information here. Will be updated in coming days.
● NON-Emergency Information and Services - If you need to request a wellness check or assistance, there are many non-emergency contacts you may utilize. ONLY dial 911 in an EMERGENCY. Our first responders & local authorities are on the ground working through the devastation from #HurricaneIan.
o 24/7 Collier Information Hotline (239) 252-8444 or 311
o Collier County Sheriff’s Office (239) 252-9300
o Collier & Lee County Elder Help Line (866) 413-5337
BUSINESS RECOVERY
When local emergency management officials and law enforcement have determined the area is safe and secure for the private sector to re-enter following a disaster, the focus will shift to community recovery. Once you can return to your business location, it is important to document the damage sustained during the disaster. If you can re-enter your facility and the damage is minor, make temporary repairs to correct safety hazards and to minimize further damage.
Take photographs or video of all damage prior to making repairs for future business damage assessments. Contact your insurance company immediately and arrange to meet an adjustor as soon as possible. As you make repairs, keep all documentation and receipts to provide to your insurance company. Only hire licensed contractors certified by the state and your local jurisdiction. If the contractor requests you pull the permit, it may be an indication that he is not properly licensed and is not entitled to permitting privileges. You can verify a contractor’s license at www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
Economic assistance (business loans) for private sector businesses may be available based on the magnitude of the disaster and overall economic impact to the community. Businesses are encouraged to complete the online Business Damage Assessment tool. This information will provide valuable economic impact information to the state and federal governments as economic assistance options are evaluated.
The Florida SBDC Network can help your business recover from a disaster. In addition, the SBDC and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity partner on the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, an interest-free, short-term loan program to help businesses recover quickly after a disaster.
For more business resources, please see State Resources and Federal Resources pages.
● Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan - Provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that 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.
o Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant. Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer-term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.
● Disaster Unemployment Assistance - The purpose of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is to provide benefits and reemployment services to individuals whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a result of a major disaster. When activated, workers can apply if they worked, were self-employed or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment and are not able to work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster.
● SBA - Small Business Loans - The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters for physical and economic damage caused by a declared disaster. SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets.
● Workforce Disaster Assistance Programs - National Dislocated Worker Grants are awarded for temporary employment to workers affected by major dislocations, including natural disasters. Disaster relief employment can be in the form of temporary jobs to address the structural and humanitarian needs of residents of an area that has suffered a federally declared emergency or major disaster.
o For information regarding National Dislocated Worker Grants, visit your local CareerSource Center at www.careersourceflorida.com/your-local-team.
● State Rapid Response Program - Florida’s Rapid Response Program serves as the statewide dislocated worker coordination unit responsible for carrying out statewide Rapid Response activities and overseeing Rapid Response activities carried out by the local workforce development boards. Following a natural or other disaster, Local Rapid Response Coordinators work with employers to prevent or minimize the impacts of layoffs on workers, businesses, and communities. Rapid Response ensures immediate access to affected workers to help them quickly re-enter the workforce and plays an important role in providing customer-focused services to both dislocated workers and employers.
● Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)’s Office of Long-Term Resiliency is within the Division of Community Development (DCD) and supports long-term recovery housing needs, infrastructure, and economic development in Florida communities impacted by disasters. DEO administers many U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant programs which include Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for Disaster Recovery and Mitigation. The Office of Long-Term Resiliency oversees CDBG-Disaster Recovery funding for hurricanes Hermine, Matthew, Irma, and Michael as well as CDBG-Mitigation funding. CDBG-Mitigation funding helps communities harden infrastructure and critical facilities to prevent losses from future disasters. Rebuild Florida was created to brand Florida’s long-term recovery efforts from recent hurricanes. For more information, please visit RebuildFlorida.gov
● Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey - Businesses that are damaged after a state-designated emergency can fill our the Damage Assessment Survey to provide information about the damage and connect with available resources. The information provided in this survey will be shared among various state and local agencies to expedite the implementation of appropriate disaster relief programs for businesses.
● Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program - The purpose of the Emergency Bridge Loan Program is to provide a source of expedient cash flow to Florida small businesses impacted by a disaster. These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance.
● Disaster Unemployment Assistance - Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a benefit program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor that assists individuals who become unemployed as a result of a disaster. Eligible applicants may apply on the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) website.
● U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Recovery Guide - A collection of resources designed to reopen your business and assist with long-term recovery, including immediate needs, financial assistance, IT disaster recovery, mental health, and community recovery.
● IEDC Restore Your Economy - RestoreYourEconomy is your resource for up-to-date information related to economic recovery from natural disasters. It is managed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) with generous support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and IEDC's Economic Development Research Partners program.
● Rebuild Florida Office of Long-Term Resiliency - Rebuild Florida was created by DEO to help Florida’s long-term recovery efforts from recent hurricanes. DEO oversees Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for hurricanes Hermine, Matthew, Irma, and Michael as well as CDBG-Mitigation funding. The state of Florida is committed to helping homeowners, small businesses and communities recover from recent storms and become more resilient to future disasters.
● Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund - The Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund, a resiliency loan fund provided through a partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, is assisting businesses that experienced physical damage or economic injury from Hurricane Irma. It provides longer-term loans with higher funding levels at market interest rates. Up to $500,000 in financing can be provided to an eligible business for the following purposes: inventory purchases, construction or renovation, working capital needs, capital start-up loans, machinery and equipment purchases, equipment financing, and more.
