Natural Disaster Resources & Recovery

UNITED WAY OF THE BIG BEND DISASTER RELIEF FUND

When our community faces disaster, United Way of the Big Bend plays a key role in helping our neighbors in the counties we serve:  Leon, Taylor, Madison, Jefferson, Wakulla, Franklin, Gadsden and Liberty counties.

Donations are being accepted now to assist our Tallahassee neighbors impacted by the effects of the tornadic storms devastating neighborhoods in our Capital City.  Through our Disaster Relief Drive, items collected will meet the short-term needs and support the recovery efforts for community members hardest hit by the storms, today and moving forward.

UNITED WAY OF THE BIG BEND TORNADO RELIEF SUPPLY DRIVE

Join us by bringing Tornado Relief Supplies to the United Way office at 307 E. Seventh Avenue, Tallahassee, FL  32303  | 850.414.0844   | Open Weekdays from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

TORNADO RESOURCES

Emergency Contact and Damage Reporting

1. • Contact 2-1-1 Big Bend for disaster relief resources and recovery help. Dial 2-1-1 or 850-617-6333.
   • Report property damage via the Leon County Property Damage Form online.
2. Debris Collection
   • Curbside collection of vegetative disaster debris started on May 17. Remember to place debris correctly at the curb.
3. Housing
   • Free storage options are available at select U-Haul locations.
4. Financial Assistance for Businesses
   • The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is available for affected businesses. Apply online for immediate financial assistance.

COUNTY-BY-COUNTY RESOURCES

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

FIND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT THROUGH THE NATIONAL DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE

If you or a loved one is having a difficult time coping with recent disasters emotionally or mentally, the Disaster Distress Hotline is available 24/7 and in many languages. Individuals can call the helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. If you speak Spanish, you can access the helpline at the same number or by texting Hablanos to 66746. This helpline is staffed by trained crisis counselors.

DURING A HURRICANE, BE PREPARED!

NOAA Hurricane Plan |Disaster Kit |National Hurricane Center |Special Needs Resources

HURRICANES

Hurricanes are powerful tropical weather systems. When hurricanes move onto land, they sweep the ocean inward. Heavy winds, tornadoes, strong thunderstorms, flooding, storm surge and landslides can all be caused by hurricanes.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

HURRICANE CATEGORIES

• Tropical Depression: winds up to 39 miles per hour (mph).
• Tropical Storm: 39 to 73 mph winds
• Category 1: 74 to 95 mph winds
• Category 2: 96 to110 mph winds
• Category 3: 111 to 130 mph winds
• Category 4: 131 to 155 mph winds.
• Category 5: winds 156 mph or greater.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Remember the four steps: Gather. Record. Prepare. Protect.

Gather important documents, such as insurance policies, birth certificates, deeds, and utility bills and store them in waterproof containers. Also gather any important mementos, such as family photos and keepsakes. Write down any important numbers in case you lose power.

Record evidence of your home. Take photos of the inside and outside, including walls, floors, close-ups of appliances and other high-end items. Email photos to yourself for backup.

Prepare your home if you have time. Secure outdoor objects or move them inside, protect windows and use sandbags in doorways.

Protect yourself. This is the most important step. Keep cash, your photo ID and any medications with you. Follow evacuation orders — they are made to keep you safe. If you choose to stay, remember to store enough food, water and pet supplies with you. Store extra batteries, a battery-operated radio and gasoline.