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.

As the toll that Hurricane Idalia took on the Big Bend became clear, United Way of the Big Bend extended a helping hand to victims of Hurricane Idalia through the United Way of the Big Bend Disaster Relief Fund which assisted residents in our Big Bend footprint affected by the storm.

Donation assisted residents affected by the disaster, and through this fund, they were used to meet the short-term storm-related needs and supported the long-term recovery efforts.

Donations to the United Way of the Big Bend Disaster Relief Fund were used to serve our neighbors in the hardest hit areas of the counties we serve.

If you would like to donate to the United Way of the Big Bend Disaster Relief Fund, follow this link: igfn.us/form/OSfK-g or text RELIEF2023 to 41444.  Thank you for your support!

With money received from a grant from Florida Blue, United Way of the Big Bend was able to provide meals to emergency responders, clean water and food items which needed no cooking, and school lunch items for children who were experiencing temporary homelessness.  This generous grant from Florida Blue was pivotal in supporting our community members seriously impacted by Hurricane Idalia in the days and months after the storm.

UNITED WAY OF THE BIG BEND DISASTER RELIEF SUPPLY DRIVE

Donations were accepted to assist impacted residents, and funds were 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.  Disaster Relief supplies can be brought to the United Way office to help our neighbors affected by natural disaster.

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.