Hurricane Ian Recovery Information

Hurricane Ian

CALL 911 FOR ANY LIFE-THREATENING OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY. 
REPORT A MISSING PERSON
SHELTERS
EVACUATION ZONES
EVACUATION ORDERS
OPERATION BLUE ROOF: 1-888-766-3258
DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE: 1-800-985-5990
CRISIS CLEANUP HOTLINE: 800-451-1954
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM: 800-759-8656
DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES: 866-550-2929

FL State-Level Recovery Resources

ALERTFLORIDA - Sign Up to Receive Emergency Alerts in Your Community 
STATE ASSISTANCE INFORMATION LINE: 1-800-342-3557
FLORIDADISASTER.ORG DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

FL County-Level Recovery Resources

For updated information on rescue services, wellness checks, volunteering, or how to donate, find fuel, debris removal & drop-offs, food & water sites, shelters, school & road closures, and other recovery services and news, please utilize your individual county's resources below:

SARASOTA COUNTY

  • Hurricane Recovery Webpage, Facebook, Twitter
  • Sarasota County Call Center: 311 or 941-861-5000
  • TTY: 7-1-1 or 1-800-955-8771
  • Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: 941-316-1201
  • Sarasota County Text: SRQCOUNTY to 888777
  • City of Venice Text: VENICESTRONG to 888777
  • City of North Port Text: NPSTRONG to 888777

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

  • Hurricane Recovery Webpage, Facebook, Twitter
  • Charlotte County Call Center: 941-743-1320 or 941-740-1980
  • Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency: 941-833-4161
  • Text: CHARCOCARES to 888-777 for Hurricane Ian recovery updates

LEE COUNTY

HARDEE COUNTY

DESOTO COUNTY

GLADES COUNTY

POLK COUNTY

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY

Federal Recovery Resources

APPLY FOR FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE 

All individuals impacted by the storm should apply for FEMA assistance. Even if you do not qualify for assistance yourself, applying for benefits could impact what benefits are approved for your community. Apply by phone to FEMA: 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech-or hearing-impaired). Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362. Apply online anytime at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov 
by smartphone or tablet using m.fema.gov or download the FEMA mobile app.
 
Please have the following information available when you call:

  • A phone number and a reliable alternate in case FEMA needs to call you back;
  • Address of the damaged property;
  • Social Security number;
  • Bank account information (or direct deposit information);
  • Insurance information (if you have insurance);
  • Brief description of damages;
  • Current mailing address; and
  • Pen and paper to write down your registration number.

Government disaster assistance only covers basic needs and usually will not compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy.

If you are one of the 1.6 million Floridians with flood insurance, report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. Be sure to ask them about advance payments. Need help finding your insurance agent or carrier? Call 877-336-2627. To learn more about how to start your flood insurance claim, visit Floodsmart.gov.

Understanding Your FEMA Letter: Hurricane Ian survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA will receive a letter from FEMA in the mail or via email. The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. Applicants may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. If you have questions about your letter, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs. You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to speak with FEMA representatives in person.

Appealing FEMA's Decision: If you receive a letter from FEMA saying you are ineligible for assistance, you can appeal the decision and provide more information.  An appeal should be filed in the form of a signed letter within 60 days of the date on the determination letter. Please visit FEMA’s website to view important information about how to write an appeal and what you should include in your appeal. Call 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center to get help filing an appeal.

SBA DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in some counties in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to Hurricane Ian beginning Sept. 23. 

FEMA may refer survivors of Hurricane Ian to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with information on how to apply for a disaster loan. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible financial assistance from FEMA. 

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS

The DRC is a coordinated effort between FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and state agencies and partners to provide wrap-around resources and information about recovery programs and disaster assistance to Hurricane Ian survivors. You can view all DRC locations here. 

IRS TAX RELIEF

Victims of Hurricane Ian that began September 23 in Florida now have until February 15, 2023, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Following the recent disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the IRS announced that affected taxpayers in certain areas will receive tax relief. Individuals and households affected by Hurricane Ian that reside or have a business anywhere in the state of Florida qualify for tax relief.

USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY

To streamline the process of receiving information regarding Hurricane Ian, FL FSA can be contacted directly to the service centers or to the following phone number and/or email. The FSA Call Center is at 1-877-508-8364. The line is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. The FSA email is: SM.FPAC.FSA.FLFSA.Disaster@USDA.GOV

How to Prepare for the Next Disaster
 

NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PREPAREDNESS
EVACUATION ZONES
EVACUATION ORDERS

Below you will find some local resources and preparedness tips. Our office is always here to help, but please ensure you are closely monitoring local news during storms for the latest updates.
Here are some things to do to prepare for disasters:

  • Make sure you have all of the items on your disaster preparedness list. This includes items like additional supplies of medications, food, and bottled water.
  • Especially for those in coastal areas, make sure you know your evacuation zones, routes and maps should you need to leave the area.
  • Make a pet plan so you don't have to leave your pets and animals behind.
  • Have a place to go should you need to evacuate. Make sure any vehicles are filled up with gas beforehand.

Washington DC Office
2457 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-5792
Fax: (202) 225-3132
Lake Placid District Office
1069 US 27 North
Room 116
Lake Placid, FL  33852
Phone: (941) 499-3214
Fax: (941) 575-9103
Punta Gorda District Office
226 Taylor St.
#230
Punta Gorda, FL  33950
Phone: (941) 499-3214
Fax: (941) 575-9103
Venice District Office
871 Venetia Bay Blvd.
#112
Venice, FL  34285
Phone: (941) 499-3214
Fax: (941) 575-9103
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