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Federal Resources Following Hurricane Ian

 

Date: September 30, 2022

 

From: Wanda Minick

 

As Floridians begin to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ian, please see the following federal resources available for Florida families and businesses. Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida and impacted Central and Northeast Florida. This was a major storm and demands a well-coordinated response and recovery effort from our federal, state, and local leaders. Families across the state are hurting, but help is on the way, and Florida will recover. I Thank Senator Rick Scott and Seantor Marco Rubio's offices for sharing this information with us. I have communicated with both offices and the Save the Children organization to see how they can help our members. 

  • FEMA: FEMA’s role is to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters. Find information about Hurricane Ian on FEMA’s website HERE, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362), or registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov. 

  • National Flood Insurance Program: Following a Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in addition to their flood insurance claim. Policyholders impacted by Hurricane Ian are encouraged to contact their insurance agents as soon as possible for more information about filing a claim. Get more details about filing a claim HERE, or reach NFIP assistance directly HERE, or by calling 1-877-336-2627.  

Once starting a claim, FEMA suggests documenting all damage, including photos and videos, recording serial numbers, and securing receipts. FEMA also recommends policyholders should take steps to stop the spread of mold if safe to do so.  

  • Citizens Property Insurance: Citizens Property Insurance is urging policyholders to contact them as soon as possible in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Citizens representatives can be reached online HERE, or by calling 1-866-411-2742. Additionally, Citizens is warning policyholders to be wary of unlicensed contractors and “deals that sound too good to be true.” Policyholders are discouraged from signing anything before consulting with an insurance agent. Citizens policyholders can report suspected fraud online HERE, or by calling 1-855-748-9596.  

  • U.S. Housing and Urban Development: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers disaster recovery assistance following Presidentially-declared disasters. Read more from HUD HERE. 

Helpful Resources for Businesses:  

U.S. Small Business Administration: Following a Presidential Disaster Declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.  

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s website floridadisaster.biz provides information about preparing, responding to and recovering from a disaster. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Ian recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses. 

Additional Resources:  

Food and Water: As information becomes available, Floridians in need of food and water can find a nearby point of distribution location HERE. Storms can affect public water treatment plants, water lines and private wells—citizens affected by the storms must err on the side of caution until their water is tested. Learn about Boil Water Notices from the Florida Department of Health HERE.  

Medications: Early prescription refills are permitted during a state-declared State of Emergency. Learn more from the Florida Department of Health HERE.  

National Disaster Distress Hotline: Health and Human Services and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a National Disaster Distress Hotline (800-985-5990), video conference is available for the deaf or hard of hearing HERE.  

Shelter: Shelters are currently open and available, and locations can be found HERE, or through the American Red Cross HERE, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).   

Mental Health Resources: You are not alone. If you are in need of support through any disaster, crisis or circumstance, please reach out. Florida 211 connects individuals to local helpline call centers that have crisis counselors for disaster recovery and can provide information on access to local resources such as housing, food and health care. Connect by phone 24/7 by dialing: 2-1-1. Also, the American Red Cross Disaster Distress Helpline is a national helpline that provides crisis support services for individuals in emotional distress that are impacted by disaster. Connect by phone 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990.  

Price Gouging Hotline: Florida Attorney General Moody’s Price Gouging Hotline remains open for Floridians statewide to report instances of severe price increases on essential commodities needed to prepare for the storm. Florida’s price gouging law only applies to commodities and services essential to preparing for, or recovering from, a storm during a declared state of emergency. If you feel you have been a victim of price gouging, report online HERE, by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM, or by downloading the NO SCAM app.    

Report a Loved One Sheltering in Place: Provide critical information to first responders regarding individuals who have made the decision to shelter in place. This information can help first responders address the needs of impacted households as quickly as possible. Learn more HERE. 

Helpful Reminders: 

  • Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators, or while removing debris. Never use generators indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents.  
  • Do not drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards. 
  • Stay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.
  • Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.pdf