Disaster Recovery Resources:
State Assistance Information Line (SAIL): 1-800-342-3557
People in Florida may access information from the SAIL hotline operators to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting Florida. Information includes road closures and alternate routes; available/open shelters in host or impacted counties; shelters designed for special needs patients; hotels and motels that accept pets; boaters instructions for moving watercraft to safer ground; and re-entry information once it is safe to return to the affected area.
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Florida 511: https://fl511.com/
Florida 511 provides up-to-the-minute reports on roadway conditions, including emergency evacuation, road and bridge closures, and toll-suspension information. During an emergency, you can get real-time information on your planned routes via the 511 phone call or app; or request email or alerts to be sent to you. PLAN AHEAD: Check out the recommended Evacuation Routes from the Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT). Then register for a My Florida 511 account and set up one or more personalized evacuation routes.
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Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT): https://www.floridadisaster.org/
The Florida State Emergency Response Team is tasked with providing disaster assistance to Florida residents. Their website includes the tools to build a Special Needs Plan and register for the Special Needs Registry.
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Disaster Assistance Improvement Program: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Residents who have sustained losses in declared counties can register for assistance. To find out if your county is declared, CLICK HERE. Still register if you have suffered damages but your county is not declared yet. When your county is declared, the application will be processed automatically.
If you have phone or Internet access, you may register by:
- Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Downloading the FEMA app
- Calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for people with speech and hearing disabilities. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT, seven days a week.
- Going to DisasterAssistance.gov via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
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Healthcare Ready: https://healthcareready.org/
Healthcare Ready is a nonprofit that works to ensure patient access to healthcare, including medicines, during times of disaster. Healthcare Ready has activated its virtual Emergency Operations Center to support healthcare and public health response operations.
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Respiratory Care
Natural disasters can damage asbestos-containing materials and lead to asbestos exposure. Click HERE to learn how to prevent asbestos exposure when preparing for and cleaning up after a natural disaster.
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Veterans' Resources:
Disasters may cause some the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offices to close down. Click HERE to monitor closures. Veterans from impacted areas who require immediate assistance may contact the VA Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline at 1-800-507-4571. If you are a veteran in need of emergency medical services, stay updated on urgent care facilities in Florida that are open 24/7 throughout the disaster period.
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Travel and Temporary Emergency Housing Resources:
Visit Florida®: https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us.html
Expedia and Airbnb offer emergency accommodations for evacuees and emergency workers. For those needing a safe haven, see information HERE or visit Expedia directly at www.expedia.com/Florida.
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FEMA's Assistance Programs: 1-800-621-3362 or https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/disaster-survivors
- Apply for assistance at https://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance.
- FEMA Brochure: Help After a Disaster (English) or Ayuda Después de un Desastre (Español)
- FEMA Brochure: Prepare for Emergencies Now - Information for People with Disabilities
- FEMA Brochure: Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs
- Transitional Shelter Assistance Program: FEMA provides short-term lodging assistance for evacuees who are not able to return home for an extended or indeterminate period of time following a disaster.
- Evacuee Hotels: https://www.femaevachotels.com/
- Generator Reimbursement: Often times, FEMA offers generator reimbursement for families with special needs. Stay tuned HERE to see the latest updates on what they are covering.
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Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
To find open shelters still available in your area, CLICK HERE. Download several FREE Red Cross Mobile Apps HERE. CLICK HERE to report to the Red Cross that you and your family are safe.
Red Cross Contact Information Across Florida
North Florida:
- Capital Area - 850-878-6080 - Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla
- Northeast Florida - 904-358-8091 - Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Union
- Northwest Florida - 850-432-7601 - Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Washington
Central Florida:
- Florida's Space Coast - 386-226-1400 - Brevard, Flagler, Volusia
- Greater Orlando - 407-894-4141 - Orange, Osceola, Seminole
- Mid-Florida - 863-294-5941 - Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Pasco, Polk, Sumter
- Tampa Bay - 813-348-4820 - Hillsborough, Pinellas
- Southwest Florida - 941-379-9300 - Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee, Sarasota
South Florida:
- Broward County - 954-797-3800 - Broward
- Florida's Gulf Coast to Heartland - 239-278-3401 - Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee
- Greater Miami and The Keys - 305-644-1200 - Miami-Dade, Monroe
- Palm Beach and Treasure Coast - 561-833-7711 - Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee
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Equipment Questions
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
For information and questions regarding Durable Medical Equipment issues, please contact your DME provider. If you do not have a DME provider or if you are using loaner equipment from The ALS Association Florida Chapter, please contact our Equipment Loan Program partners directly:
Numotion - 800-500-9150 or Ability Medical Supply - 888-572-7603
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The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST): https://faast.org/
The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology program is administered through the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and is federally funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004 (P.L. 108-364).
Since its inception in 1998, FAAST has been and continues to be a resource to provide Floridians free access to information, referral services, educational programs, and publications in accessible format on extensive topics related to disability rights, laws/policies, and funding opportunities for assistive technology.
If you had any assistive devices lost or damaged during a disaster, contact FAAST directly at 1-844-FL-FAAST (1-844-353-2278) or via email info@faastinc.org.
