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Emergency Info for Idalia

Unmet Needs Assistance Request

Are you a Hurricane Idalia survivor in need of assistance with food, transportation, or other services? We are here to connect you with your local emergency management agency and other partners who may be able to assist you.

Please complete the secure self-referral form below to request assistance or call 1-833-511-0488 between the hours of 8AM EST- 5PM EST, Monday-Sunday. Please note: If you call outside of our normal operational hours, your call will be sent to voice mail and we will return your call the following day.

Request help: Unmet Needs Self-Referral Form

Toll-free number: 1-833-511-0488

D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Idalia who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, D-SNAP is implemented by DCF. Registration details can be found online at MyFLFamilies.com/DSNAP.

The Department will implement D-SNAP beginning September 25, 2023, for individuals who live or work in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties.

Local Governments and State Agencies

Slides

Meeting Information Link
Thursday, September 28, 2023 9:00 am | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 2:00 pm | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 9:00 am | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Thursday, October 5, 2023 2:00 pm | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 9:00 am | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 2:00 pm | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Thursday, October 12, 2023 9:00 am | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register

 

Private Nonprofits

Slides

Meeting Information Link
Thursday, September 28, 2023 2:00 pm | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 9:00 am | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:00 pm | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Thursday, October 5, 2023 9:00 am | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 2:00 pm | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 9:00 am | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Thursday, October 12, 2023 2:00 pm | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Register
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 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.

Individual Assistance is available in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee & Taylor counties. Individuals can apply in multiple ways:

Florida homeowners and renters who registered for FEMA disaster assistance after Hurricane Idalia should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster assistance process stays on track.

Survivors should update contact information as soon as possible because FEMA may need to reach them to perform virtual home inspections or get additional information.

FEMA encourages survivors to request direct deposits of disaster assistance to their financial institution. Survivors should let FEMA know as soon as possible of any changes to their banking information.

It’s important to note that FEMA disaster assistance checks cannot be forwarded. If you cannot access your home address, you can request the postal service to hold your mail.

Disaster Recovery Centers

If you are in need of resources & information about recovery programs & disaster assistance you can visit one of our Disaster Recovery Centers. Centers are open 7 days a week. Please note times based on location.

Citrus County

  • West Citrus Community Center
    • 8940 W Veterans Drive
    • Homosassa, FL 34448

Columbia County

    • 180 East Duval Street
    • Lake City, FL 32055

Dixie County

  • Dixie County Public Library
    • 16328 SE US-19, Cross City, FL 32628
    • Open 9AM-8PM, Monday-Sunday
  • Suwannee Baptist Church (Mobile Location)
    • 23103 SE Hwy 349, Suwannee, FL 32692
    • Open 9AM-7PM, 9/27/23-9/29/23
  •  

Hamilton County

  • Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce
    • 1153 NW US Hwy 41, Jasper, FL 32052
    • Open 8AM-8PM, Monday-Sunday

Hernando County

  • Hernando Public Library-Spring Hill Branch
    • 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34608
    • Open 9AM-7PM, Monday-Sunday

Jefferson County

  • Jefferson County Library
    • 375 South Water Street
    • Monticello, FL 32344

Lafayette County

  • Mayo Community Center
    • 150 NW Community Center, Mayo, FL 32066
    • Open 8AM-7PM, Monday-Sunday

Levy County

  • Cedar Key Fire Station
    • 489 1st Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625
    • Open 9AM-6PM, Monday-Saturday
  • Inglis Community Center
    • 137 Hwy 40, Inglis, FL 34449
    • Open 9AM-7PM, Monday-Sunday

Madison County

  • Career Source North Florida
    • 705 E Base Street, Madison, FL
    • Open 8AM-8PM, Monday-Sunday

Manatee County

  • Rubonia Community Center
    • 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221
    • Open 9AM-7PM, Monday-Sunday

Pasco County

  • Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter
    • 11611 Denton Ave, Hudson, FL 34667
    • Open 9AM-7PM, Monday-Sunday

Pinellas County

  • Enoch Davis Center
    • 1111 18th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
    • Open 9AM-7PM, Monday-Sunday
  • Palm Harbor CSA
    • 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor, FL 34683
    • Open 9AM-7PM, Monday-Sunday
  •  

Suwannee County

  • Agricultural Coliseum Exhibition Building 2
    • 1302 SW 11 Street, Live Oak, FL 32064
    • Open 9AM-7PM, Monday-Sunday

Taylor County

  • Steinhatchee Community Center
    • 1013 Riverside S. Drive, Steinhatchee, FL 32359
    • Open 9AM-7PM, Monday-Sunday

Family Resource Centers

  • Taylor County
    • Battlefront Ministries, 1000 S Jefferson St. Perry FL 32340
  • Madison County
    • DCF Office, 521 Demorest St Live Oak, FL 32060
  • Suwannee County
    • The Bridge, 1135 E US 90 Madison, FL 32340

American Red Cross is initiating our Financial Assistance Program. Residents can sign-up for appointments on our website: www.redcross.org/idalia or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Red Cross damage-based financial assistance, households must meet these requirements:

  • Your pre-disaster primary residence (renter or homeowner) is in a confirmed disaster-impacted geographic area.
  • The residence is either destroyed or has sustained significant structural damage that requires extensive repairs, or the damage is so extensive that repairs are not feasible.
    • This may include substantial failure of the roof, walls or foundation, or a water line above 18 inches.         
  • You must be able to provide proof of identity and residence.

Enrollment

We ask that people apply for federal Disaster Assistance, which can be done at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. However, approval for FEMA assistance is not a requirement to receive the Red Cross financial assistance. 

If you have questions about financial assistance or other services, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to speak to a Red Cross representative

All Red Cross services, including financial assistance, are available to individuals regardless of nationality, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, class or political affiliation. The Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and people do not need to be American citizens to receive our help.

Red Cross financial assistance is not a loan and will never need to be repaid.

Please go to Summary Shelter Information for currently open general and special needs shelters within the State of Florida. 

For information from your county Emergency Management program regarding shelter preparedness and lists of potential shelters that may be opened, please visit Shelter Information Index and choose your county.

View Open Shelters on a map.

Special Needs Assistance

If you know or care for an individual with access or functional needs, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, it is important that you pre-register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry.

For more Special Needs Sheltering detailed Information here. 

FEMA will never ask you for money to provide disaster assistance. Recognize fraud:  

  • FEMA employees will always have an official ID  
  • Don’t trust anyone who offers financial help & asks for money or personal info.  
  • Always talk with someone you trust.

Ways to Report Fraud to FEMA

For more information visit fema.gov/disaster-fraud

Report Price Gouging in Florida

  • Call: 1-866-966-7226

Report Unlicensed Contracting to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

  • Unlicensed contracting becomes a felony during a state of emergency. Report unlicensed contracting by calling the DBPR Unlicensed Activity Hotline:
    (866) 532-1440.
  • Know before making home repair decisions:
    • Contact your insurance company first to verify that your insurance will cover the repairs before you find a licensed contractor or sign a contract.
    • Always verify a professional’s license online at MyFloridaLicense.com, by calling (850) 487-1395, or by using the DBPR mobile app.
      • *Be wary of individuals who only produce an “occupational license,” or corporate filing. An “occupational license” only means that person has paid a tax receipt to the local municipality.
    • Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors to compare costs before you hire one. Make sure the estimates include the work the contractor will do, materials involved, completion date, and total cost.
    • NEVER pay cash in full before the work is completed. Be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.

All Florida coastal counties and counties are susceptible to storm surge and most have designated evacuation zones. Use the mapping tool above to search by address and determine if you are in a designated evacuation zone. 

Evacuation Zones - to determine if you are in a designated evacuation zone

Evacuation Orders -  View Florida county evacuation orders

Read More About Evacuation Zones - learn more about designated evacuation zones, which counties have them and which don't, how flood zones are factored into evacuations, and evacuation orders

As you begin your clean-up efforts from Hurricane #Idalia, be sure to sort your debris in the 6 piles shown below in an effort to expedite the removal process. Remember: never place debris near other trees, structures or downed powerlines - this makes removal difficult.

For specific information related to debris removal, please contact your local county emergency management office.

Download the debris flyer here.

While living in and visiting Florida offers many benefits and advantages, it is important to keep in mind severe weather hazards and potential threats. Every family and business should have predefined emergency plans and always keep an emergency supply kit ready and stocked.

Each Florida county has a designated emergency management program, and residents, businesses, and visitors should also visit their county's emergency management for the most up-to-date and locally significant information.

Every year it's important for residents to know if they live an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood prone area, a mobile home or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. These areas and buildings are most likely to be evacuated and knowing these zones helps Floridians prepare to evacuate and better understand orders from local officials.

This year, it is also very important for residents to know their home. If an evacuation order is not issued for your area and your house is not in an evacuation zone, you may consider sheltering in place. If you shelter in place, it’s important to know your home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.

Instructions to Know Your Zone, Know Your Home
  • Click Know Your Zone Map (Please note, the Division is continuously updating and making improvements to this website. If you are prompted to log in or are unable to access the map, please try again at a later time.)
  • Type in your address
  • Know Your Zone - Find if your address is in one of the colored evacuation zones (these are flood zones)
  • If you are in an evacuation zone, listen to evacuation orders from local officials (Typically Zone A is the most vulnerable and the most likely to evacuate first. Zone E is most likely to evacuate last)
  • If an evacuation order is not issued for your area, you may consider sheltering in place. Not all evacuations zones are always ordered.  
  • If you shelter in place, it’s important to Know Your Home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain

Take a look to see where your zone is at  Know Your Zone Map.

Zone Designations

Check with floridastateparks.org/StormUpdates for closings to state parks in the event of a disaster.

Florida Storms - Florida Public Radio Emergency Network Google Play  iTunes

Florida 511 - Get up-to-the-minute, real-time traffic conditions and incident information for the State of Florida with Florida 511.

FEMA - mobile app

Red Cross - mobile apps

Everbridge - mobile apps

Gas Buddy - Gas stations availability

Florida 511 - Get up-to-the-minute, real-time traffic conditions and incident information for the State of Florida with Florida 511.

Florida Highway Patrol - Florida Highway Patrol Live Traffic Crash and Road Condition Report. Reports are updated every five minutes. Incidents located within city limits also may not show on the map since it is not common practice for FHP to work incidents inside city limits.

Florida Traffic - Traffic incidents and conditions from Florida 511 and Florida Highway Patrol brought to you by Florida State Emergency Response Team Geographic Information Systems.

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Florida Division of Emergency Management

2555 Shumard Oak Blvd. Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100

Phone: 850-815-4000

For Florida Relay Service:
Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)        

Weather Outlook

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

...Hazy Skies This Morning Across Panhandle and Portions of Peninsula Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke...High Pressure Along Eastern U.S. Bringing Drier Conditions In Wake of Active Weather Period...Isolated to Scattered Showers and Thunderstorms Along East Florida Through Afternoon and Evening...Breezy Easterly to Northeasterly Winds Continue...Sensitive Wildfire Conditions Along Panhandle and Big Bend Due to Breezy Winds and Ongoing Dry Conditions...High Risk for Rip Currents Continues for Panhandle and East Coast Beaches Due to Onshore Flow...Minor to Moderate Coastal Flooding Possible During Times of High Tide Along Numerous East Coast Beaches Due to Lingering Elevated Tides (King Tides)...St. Johns Remains Within Moderate Flood Stage Due to Backed Up Water Levels; Peace River and Fisheasting Creek Within Minor Flood Stage Due to Recent Rainfall...Tropical Storm Philippe To Turn Northward Tonight and Tomorrow; No Direct Threat to Florida...

More Details