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.

Donate to Provide Relief

SUPPLY DRIVE

Wondering how you can help those impacted by Hurricane Helene in the Big Bend? We’re hosting a supply drive starting today, October 3rd, through October 18th. If you’d like to donate these items, please bring them to our office any time between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. Please help your neighbors today!

Click here for full size flyer

COUNTY RESOURSES

FRANKLIN COUNTY

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

JEFFERSON COUNTY

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 COUNTY

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/

WAKULLA COUNTY

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.

For a map of Points of Distribution Sites visit here: https://floridadisaster.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c509b049f8b442bb83c0a1872771a455&extent=-9959657.8498%2C2759851.6351%2C-8649832.9331%2C3703390.3123%2C102100

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.

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

In addition to information on this page, stay connected with us on our social media platforms for the latest information.

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

FEMA ASSISTANCE

If your home or job was impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance. Click here or call 1-800-621-3362 to see if you are eligible and to apply for financial assistance.

Tips for Hiring a Contractor for Home Repair

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

American Red Cross: 800-733-2767

Assistance: The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Florida Disaster.org:  May North Florida Severe Weather For Recovery Information

Crisis Cleanup: 800-451-1954. Have an urgent need? Call this number to get your project on the list.

Emergency Alerts

Operation Blue Roof: 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). This organization helps to add tarps to roofs in need. Applicants who use 711 or video relay service can call 800-621-3362. Those who are deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech disability and use TTY can call 800-462-7585.

HOUSING AND LEGAL

Available Housing: for Florida residents who have been displaced by a storm.

Disaster Contractors Network: Connecting Property Owners and Building Professionals with Storm Related Goods and Services.

Office of Insurance: 
Office of Insurance Regulations
Division of Financial Services
1-877-693-5236
myfloridacfo.com

Free Legal Assistance: www.floridabar.org or (866) 550-2929

Storm Shelters

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT 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.

Donate to Provide Relief