Natural Disaster Recovery Resources

UNITED WAY OF THE BIG BEND DISASTER RECOVERY

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 to assist impacted residents, and through this fund, they will be used to meet short-term storm-related needs and support the long-term recovery efforts in the hardest hit areas of the counties we serve, today and moving forward.

COUNTY RESOURCES

General

Sign up for Community Emergency alerts https://www.ready.gov/alerts

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

 

Taylor

Taylor County Emergency Alert Program (Alert Taylor): https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614562/login

Taylor County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Taylor-County-Sheriffs-Office-Division-of-Emergency-Management-100064410957245/

Taylor County Evacuation Map: https://www.taylorcountygov.com/residents/evacuation_map.php

Taylor County Surge Map: https://www.taylorcountygov.com/residents/evacuation_map.php

Shelter Information:

 

Jefferson

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE ALERTS FROM THE JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO SIGN UP:
1) Text 32344 to 888777
2) Visit https://www.nixle.com and sign up with either your email or your phone number

Standard carrier rates apply.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office – Florida Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonSheriffFlorida

 

Madison

Madison County Emergency Alert Program Community Notification Enrollment (CODERED): https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF5D505E7D7F

Madison County Emergency Management Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/madisonflema/

Madison County Florida Emergency Management https://madisoncountyfl.com/emergency-management/

 

Franklin

Franklin County Emergency Alert Program Signup (Alert Franklin):  https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF5D505E7D7F

Franklin County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinEOC

Franklin Emergency Planning Resources:  https://www.franklinemergencymanagement.com/resources-2/

Franklin County Evacuation Map: https://www.franklinemergencymanagement.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/EVAC_FRANKLIN.pdf

Franklin County Flood Risk Map: https://www.franklinemergencymanagement.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FRM_12037C_20150312.pdf

 

Wakulla

Wakulla County Emergency Alert Program (ALERT Wakulla County) Signup: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724738/new

Wakulla County Emergency Management Hurricane Planning: https://www.wcso.org/emergency-management/page/hurricane-planning

 

DISASTER RESOURCES

Point of Distribution Sites

These sites have food, water, tarps, and more resources as available for residents in need.

 

FEMA Individual Assistance

Individual Assistance is available to individuals and households in need of financial and direct services who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Impacted individuals with insurance are encouraged to apply.

• Apply for disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA mobile app
• Call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time

 

Recovery Resources for Residents

• Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers. The number is 833-514-2940

• Samaritan’s Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234
  • Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
  • Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work & Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.

• 2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls
  • Individuals can call for up-to-the-minute information including school closures and sandbag distributions.
  • Local Social Services Referral.

• Red Cross Hotline is open to assist survivors: 1-800-Red Cros (733-2767)

• Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123
  • Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
  • Volunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work and Muck outs

• Crisis Cleanup number: 844-965-1386

 

Emergency Contact and Damage Reporting

Financial Assistance for Businesses

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is available for affected businesses. Apply online for immediate financial assistance.

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.