COMMUNITY RESOURCES
If you or a loved one need information and referral resources for mental health, grief, or trauma counseling services, please contact the mission hurricane relief line.
GOODWILL COMMUNITY
RESOURCE CENTERS
If you need assistance contacting your loved ones:
The American Red Cross can assist you in telling your loved ones that you are safe and well. If you complete the “Reunification Registration Form”, your information will be entered into an American Red Cross Reunification Helper Tool where Reunification staff can search for information about you. Seekers will be notified by Red Cross staff if the individual they are looking for has registered in the system. The information that we can share with seekers is confined to the privacy option you select when registering. The American Red Cross may use this information to provide disaster relief services such as family reunification and may share it with other organizations involved in providing disaster relief.
Reunification Registration Forms
If you are a disaster survivor, you may qualify for federal assistance.
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If you are applying for both home and business disaster assistance, complete one registration to cover both.
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If you are applying for multiple disasters, you will need to complete a registration for each disaster.
You'll need the following to complete your registration:
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Social Security Number (SSN) OR the SSN of a minor child in the household who is a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National or Qualified Alien
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Annual Household Income
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Contact Information (phone number, mailing address, email address*, and damaged home address)
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Insurance Information (coverage, insurance company name, etc.)
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Bank Account Information (if you are eligible to receive financial assistance, the money can be deposited in your account)
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* Note: You must provide an email address if you want to review your registration status online. If you do not provide an email address, you will be required to contact FEMA for any updates to your registration.
If you need further information or assistance:
Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Helpline services are available 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
If you use a video relay service, captioned phone, or other communication services, give FEMA the number for that service.
If you are having technical issues, call FEMA's Internet Help Desk at 1-800-745-0243. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
FEMA Hurricane Ian Assistance
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Helpful Resources for Individuals:
Senator Scott’s Office
Floridians in need of assistance with federal resources following the impacts of Hurricane Ian can contact Senator Scott’s office HERE.
FEMA
FEMA’s role is to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters. Find information specific to 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.
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:
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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.
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Do not drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water, and other hidden hazards.
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Stay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.
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.
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).
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.
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), and video conference is available for the deaf or hard of hearing HERE.
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.
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:
The following Twitter accounts, along with your local Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, and County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), may be helpful for up-to-date information and resources on Hurricane Ian.