09/26/2024
Hurricane Helene Resources from Senator Rick Scott.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on September 24th that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Florida to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning September 23rd and continuing.
To check on the status of disaster assistance available to individuals and families, click HERE.
For FEMA disaster recovery updates following Hurricane Helene, check HERE.
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/3615/designated-areas
Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Disaster survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.
As Disaster Recovery Centers open post-landfall, you can find the location closest to you HERE.
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/3615 -resources
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Internal Revenue Services
Find information on the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations in Florida HERE. See FAQs for disaster victims for information about the definition of an affected taxpayer.
To learn more about Internal Revenue Services (IRS) updates following Hurricane Helene, visit HERE.
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Florida Division of Emergency Management
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has outlined all available resources for Floridians and will continue to update as resources become available.
Visit HERE for more information.
https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/storm-updates/
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Need Assistance?
Call the Florida State Assistance Information Line for additional resources and updated information: 1-800-342-3557
In case of an emergency, please hang up and dial 911
Floridians in need of assistance with federal resources following the impacts of Hurricane Helene can contact Senator Scott’s office at: www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework
If you are suspicious of fraud, please report it immediately at: FraudFreeFlorida.com
Attorney General's Price Gouging Hotline: 1-866-966-7226 or visit MyFloridaLegal.com
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: 1-800-435-7352
Report Insurance Fraud: https://first.fldfs.com/
After a Storm
If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until it is safe to do so.
Be mindful of debris and down power lines.
Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to.
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.
Stay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.
Do not drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards.
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Hurricane Preparedness Resources Websites
FEMA: Visit FEMA for up-to-date information, support, services and to apply for disaster assistance following a storm.
SBA: Visit SBA to learn about low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from a major disaster.
FloridaDisaster.org: Visit FloridaDisaster.org for resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan for your family.
National Hurricane Center: Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats.
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Helpful Accounts on Twitter
Local Sheriff's Office
Local Emergency Operations Centers
All Florida coastal counties and counties are susceptible to storm surge and most have designated evacuation zones. Use the mapping tool below to search by address and determine if you are in a designated evacuation zone.