Hurricane Milton Disaster Relief and Response Resources
In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, our hearts go out to everyone affected across Hillborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Lee counties. We understand the challenges and hardships that come with such devastating events, and we want to extend our deepest sympathies to those who have lost homes, belongings, or loved ones. During these trying times, it’s essential to come together as a community, supporting one another and accessing the resources available to help us all rebuild and recover.
Essential Resources for Recovery and Guidance
Navigating the aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming. Below is a list of valuable local and national resources to assist you in your recovery journey:
Local Resources
- Hillsborough County & Emergency Management
- Hillsborough County Flood and Safety Information: HC Flood Information & Safety
- Emergency Management Website:Hillsborough County EM
- Phone: (813) 274-8000
- Provides information on emergency services, recovery assistance, and community resources.
- Pinellas County & Disaster Recovery
- Website: Pinellas County Recovery and EM Info
- Phone: (727) 822-5712
- Offers guidance on disaster recovery programs and available support services.
- Pasco County & Emergency Management
- Website: Pasco County EM
- Phone: (727) 464-6255
- Information on emergency preparedness, recovery initiatives, and community assistance.
- Lee County & Emergency Management
- Website: Lee County EM
- Phone: (239) 258-2384
- Resources for disaster response, recovery efforts, and public safety information.
National Resources
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Website: FEMA Disaster Assistance
- Phone: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Provides financial assistance, resources for rebuilding, and information on disaster declarations.
- CDC Hurricane Safety Guidelines
- American Red Cross
- Website: Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Services
- Phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
- Offers shelter, food, and other essential services for those affected by disasters.
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Website: NFIP
- Phone: 1-800-427-4661
- Provides flood insurance policies and information on floodplain management.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Website: SBA Disaster Assistance
- Phone: 1-800-659-2955
- Offers low-interest disaster loans to individuals and businesses impacted by disasters.
Additional Support Services
- Salvation Army Disaster Services
- Website: Salvation Army
- Phone: 1-800-728-7728
- Provides emergency assistance, including food, shelter, and financial support.
- Local Non-Profit Organizations
- Many local charities and non-profits are actively involved in disaster relief. Reach out to your community centers or local government offices for more information on available support.
Stay Safe After the Hurricane Passes
Stay out of floodwater.
- Always follow warnings about flooded roads.
- Don’t drive in flooded areas—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
- If you have to be in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket—especially if the water is rising.
- Wash your hands with soap and water if you have been in floodwater. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer. Floodwater can contain many things that may harm health, including germs, dangerous chemicals, human and livestock waste, wild or stray animals, downed power lines, and other contaminants that can make you sick.
Be careful near damaged buildings.
- Do not enter a damaged building until local authorities determine it is safe. Hurricanes can damage buildings and make them unsafe.
- Leave your home or building if you hear shifting or unusual noises. Strange noises could mean the building about to fall.
Stay away from power lines
- Watch out for fallen power lines that may be hanging overhead.
- Stay clear of fallen power lines. Call the electric company to report them.
Protect yourself from animals and pests
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) with DEET or picaridin. Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when you’re outside. Learn how to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
- Stay away from wild or stray animals after a storm. Call 911 or your public health department to report them.
- Report dead animals to local officials.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Fuel-burning equipment creates carbon monoxide (CO). This can include equipment like generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, and camp stoves. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, but if it builds up in your home, it can cause sudden illness and death.
- Never use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment or camp stoves inside your home, basement, or garage. Keep it outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
- Use a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector any time you use a generator or anything else that burns fuel.
- If you have a CO detector and it starts beeping, leave your home right away and call 911.
Clean up your home safely
Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during cleanup after a hurricane.
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- Follow safety precautions before reentering your flooded home.
- Follow our cleanup tips and monitor your radio or television for up-to-date emergency information.
Take care of your physical and mental health
Drink safe water.
- Listen to reports from local officials for advice on water precautions in your home.
- Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to make baby formula, make ice, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, or wash dishes.
- Bottled, boiled, or treated water are safe for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. Your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.
Eat safe food.
- Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal.
- Throw away perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; also discard foods with an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
We’re Here to Help with Your Mortgage Needs
During times of crisis, managing financial responsibilities can become particularly stressful. If you need assistance with your mortgage, we encourage you to reach out to the mortgage servicer you pay your bill to. They are there to help you navigate any challenges you may be facing. If you’re unsure who your mortgage servicer is or need assistance in contacting them, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to support you and ensure you have the guidance you need during this recovery period.
Stay Safe and Strong
As we work together to rebuild and recover, remember that you are not alone. Lean on your community, utilize the available resources, and take care of one another. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, and we are committed to supporting our neighbors in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Lee counties as well as the rest of the great state of Florida through every step of the recovery process.
