Hurricane Resources
Neighbors –
June 1st marked the beginning of this year's hurricane season. Knowing the destructive power that these storms can have, we must make sure to be prepared early on. Below you will find a compilation of resources and emergency contact information, listed county by county, that may be useful if we face another severe storm. We will be updating this page throughout hurricane season.
In case our district offices are ever closed due to a hurricane, you can always contact my D.C. office should you need any assistance: (202) 225-9889.
A sincere thank you to all the emergency management team, first responders, police departments, healthcare workers, and thousands of volunteers that work to keep Florida safe throughout storms. Together, let’s prepare to face this year’s hurricane season.
Stay strong,
Darren Soto
BE PREPARED
- Comprehensive guide and supply checklist: www.floridadisaster.org & NOAA
- Red Cross Emergency App: Download here
- FEMA App: locate and get directions to open shelters across the state, and receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Download here
FEMA Assistance to Individuals and Households
The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial help or direct services to those who have necessary expenses and serious needs if they are unable to meet the needs through other means. Assistance includes: Housing repair, replacement, and construction, and grants for uninsured, disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs.
SHELTER INFORMATION
Do not proceed to any shelter until you have confirmed that it is open and operating.
- Polk County: Directory, Location Map, and listings here
- Osceola County: View listing here
- Orange County: View Listing here
KEEP UP WITH ALERTS
- National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
- Call 911 for any emergency
- State of Florida Emergency Information 24-hour hotline: 1-800-342-3557
Polk County
- Polk County Emergency Management: Phone: (863) 298-7000
- American Red Cross: Mid-Florida Chapter (Polk County) 863-295-5941. Leesburg, FL:(352) 314-0883, New Port Richey, FL: (727) 848-8354
- Disaster Services: 24-hour phone number: 863-294-5941
- Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) 24-hour phone number: 1-877-272-7337
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Numbers Polk County Emergency Management: (863) 298-7000, Polk County EMS/Fire (863) 401-2222. Polk County FIRE/EMS Administration (863) 519-7400
- Salvation Army Emergency Shelter and Feeding Program Lakeland, FL 33801. (863) 682-8179
- Polk County Utilities- 863-299-4100
- Polk County Waste- 863-284-4319
- Lakeland Water Utilities- 863-834-8316
- Polk County Water- 863-298-4100
Orange County
- Orange County Emergency Management Phone: (407) 836-9026 Email: ocoem@ocfl.net
- American Red Cross: Greater Orlando Chapter (Orange, Osceola, Seminole Counties) 407-894-4141
- Orange County Sheriff’s office (407)254-7100
- Orlando LGBT Emergency Response Line: 888-773-1665
- Orange County Utilities- 407-836-5515
- Orange County Water Division- 407-254-9850
Osceola County
- Osceola County Emergency Management Phone: (407) 742-9000 Email:emdo@osceola.org
- American Red Cross: Greater Orlando Chapter (Orange, Osceola, Seminole Counties) 407-894-4141
- Osceola Sheriff’s Office: 2586 Partin Settlement Rd Kissimmee, FL 34744 Phone: 407-348-2222 Emergency: 407-742-5911
- Kissimmee Utility Authority- 407-933-7777
- Toho Water Authority- 407-944-5000
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
- Those interested in volunteering to assist in Florida, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org. Individuals looking to volunteer at shelters, should complete shelter operations training online and submit a registration form. If you are a nurse and available to volunteer, please email BPRCHDPreparedness@flhealth.gov to volunteer.
- Anyone looking to get involved is encouraged to volunteer with local and nationally known organizations. A list of volunteer websites are available at www.nvoad.org.