before, during, and after the storm
Emergency Contacts & Resources
Whether you’re preparing for a hurricane, dealing with the storm itself, or navigating the recovery process, having quick access to key contacts and resources is critical. This page will be your one-stop guide for Federal, State, and local emergency information, national and local charity contacts, as well as county-by-county details on TV and radio stations, shelters, and emergency management services. You’ll also find major power company contacts and links to essential apps that every Florida resident should have for hurricane preparedness and response.
Federal Agencies
When hurricanes strike Florida, these federal agencies provide essential support to help residents prepare, stay safe, and recover effectively. From emergency housing assistance and disaster loans to critical health guidelines and flood insurance support, these trusted government resources are your first stop for assistance before, during, and after the storm.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA provides disaster assistance, emergency housing, financial assistance, and support for rebuilding efforts after a hurricane or major disaster. Reach out to FEMA for emergency support, to apply for federal assistance, or to access temporary housing and recovery services.
Telephone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362)
Website: fema.gov
App (Apple): FEMA App for iOS
App (Android): FEMA App for Android
National Hurricane Center (NHC)
The NHC issues forecasts, hurricane watches, warnings, and real-time updates on storms. Contact NHC for the most accurate hurricane tracking information, forecasts, and safety advisories.
Telephone: (305) 229-4470 (Automated advisory line)
Website: nhc.noaa.gov
DisasterAssistance.gov
DisasterAssistance.gov is a centralized resource to apply for disaster-related assistance. Visit this portal to apply for federal help, check application status, and find emergency services after a hurricane.
Telephone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362)
Website: disasterassistance.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC provides important health and safety information during hurricane emergencies, including guidance on disease prevention, safe water usage, sanitation, and injury prevention.
Telephone: (800) 232-4636
Website: cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes
App (Apple): CDC App for iOS
App (Android): CDC App for Android
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance
The SBA provides low-interest disaster recovery loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations impacted by a hurricane. Contact them for financial assistance to rebuild and recover.
Telephone: (800) 659-2955
Website: sba.gov/disaster
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NFIP assists homeowners and businesses with flood insurance claims and provides information about flood risks and insurance options. Contact NFIP for assistance with flood insurance claims after a hurricane.
Telephone: (877) 336-2627
Website: floodsmart.gov
IRS Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief
The IRS provides tax relief, filing extensions, and other financial considerations for taxpayers affected by hurricanes or natural disasters. Reach out to the IRS for disaster-related tax information and relief options.
Telephone: (800) 829-1040
National Charities
In the aftermath of a hurricane, these national charities quickly mobilize to offer Floridians essential services including shelter, food, emergency relief, and emotional support. Reach out to these organizations for immediate aid, volunteer opportunities, and long-term recovery assistance, ensuring you’re never alone when disaster strikes.
American Red Cross
The Red Cross offers emergency shelters, meals, disaster relief supplies, health services, and support services before, during, and after hurricanes. Reach out for shelter locations, immediate assistance, or volunteer opportunities.
Telephone: (800) 733-2767
Website: redcross.org
App (Apple): Red Cross App for iOS
App (Android): Red Cross App for Android
Salvation Army Disaster Relief
The Salvation Army provides food, water, emergency shelter, spiritual care, and ongoing disaster recovery support. Contact them for immediate needs following a hurricane.
Telephone: (800) 725-2769
Website: disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
United Way
United Way connects people to local emergency resources through the 211 hotline. Reach out for local disaster support, shelter locations, food assistance, and recovery resources.
Telephone: Dial 211 (local resource hotline)
Website: unitedway.org
Feeding America
Feeding America coordinates food banks nationwide, providing emergency food assistance during hurricane disasters. Contact them to find local food banks offering relief.
Telephone: (800) 771-2303
Website: feedingamerica.org
Operation Blessing
Operation Blessing provides rapid disaster response, emergency relief supplies, food, water, and clean-up assistance to communities impacted by hurricanes. Contact them for immediate post-disaster support.
Telephone: (800) 730-2537
Website: ob.org
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities provides disaster recovery assistance, including housing support, counseling, financial aid, and long-term recovery services. Reach out for post-disaster support and resources.
Telephone: (703) 549-1390
Website: catholiccharitiesusa.org
Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society provides animal rescue, sheltering, reunification, and pet care during disasters. Reach out for assistance related to pets and animals during a hurricane emergency.
Telephone: (866) 720-2676
Website: humanesociety.org
Florida Statewide Agencies
Florida’s statewide agencies are here to support residents through every stage of a hurricane emergency, providing essential information on evacuations, sheltering, transportation, unemployment assistance, health safety guidelines, and volunteer opportunities. Access these reliable resources to ensure you’re well-prepared and supported before, during, and after the storm.
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
The Florida Division of Emergency Management coordinates the state’s disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Contact FDEM for statewide emergency updates, shelter locations, evacuation information, and post-hurricane assistance.
Telephone: (850) 815-4000
Website: floridadisaster.org
App (Apple): Florida Storms for iOS
App (Android): Florida Storms for Android
Florida Department of Health (DOH)
The Florida Department of Health provides health and safety information, including post-hurricane sanitation guidelines, disease prevention tips, and access to medical assistance. Contact DOH for hurricane-related health advisories.
Telephone: (850) 245-4444
Website: floridahealth.gov
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
FDOT manages road closures, evacuations, and transportation infrastructure assessments during and after hurricanes. Reach out for travel advisories, road condition updates, and emergency evacuation route information.
Telephone: (850) 414-4100
Website: fdot.gov
App (Apple): Florida 511 for iOS
App (Android): Florida 511 for Android
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Florida DEO provides disaster unemployment assistance for workers and businesses affected by hurricanes. Contact DEO to apply for financial assistance related to hurricane-caused employment disruptions.
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Telephone: (800) 204-2418
Website: floridajobs.org
Volunteer Florida
Volunteer Florida coordinates statewide volunteer efforts and donations during disasters. Contact them to find volunteer opportunities, donate resources, or seek volunteer assistance following a hurricane.
Telephone: (850) 414-7400
Website: volunteerflorida.org
Florida Attorney General's Office (Price Gouging Hotline)
The Florida Attorney General protects residents from price gouging during hurricane emergencies. Report suspicious pricing on essential goods, such as gas, food, and water, during declared emergencies.
Telephone: (866) 966-7226
Website: myfloridalegal.com
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
DCF assists with disaster-related food assistance (Disaster SNAP) and support services for families and individuals impacted by hurricanes. Contact DCF to inquire about emergency food assistance, shelters, and family services.
Telephone: (866) 762-2237
Website: myflfamilies.com
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
FWC assists with rescue operations, law enforcement, and safety patrols on waterways and rural areas during hurricane events. Contact FWC for boating advisories, wildlife rescue, and outdoor safety guidance.
Telephone: (850) 488-4676
Website: myfwc.com