Hurricane season is here, and it’s essential to be prepared and informed. At Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), we are dedicated to supporting our Central Florida community before, during, and after a hurricane. Here’s a comprehensive list of resources to help you stay safe and secure.

We also encourage you to follow us on Twitter (@HFUW) and Facebook (@HeartofFloridaUnitedWay) to stay informed about available resources and emergency support!

Need Assistance? We’re Here for You!

Our 211 and Crisis Services contact center is available 24/7/365 to provide support.

Call: 211
Text: Send your zip code to 898-211
Chat Online

Our multilingual operators are ready to assist you in English and Spanish.

Línea de Ayuda en Español:

Nuestra línea de ayuda 211 está disponible las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana.

Llame al 211
Envíe su código postal al 898211
Chatee en línea para recibir asistencia

How We Can Help

During natural disasters, our 211 contact center connects you with vital community resources, including:

Shelter Information and Housing Assistance
Sandbags, Tarps, and Other Storm Supplies
Evacuation Routes and Road Closures
Food, Clothing, and Hygiene Locations
Special Needs Registry and Medical Supplies
Emotional and Crisis Support

For more resources in your area, visit our online database at www.UW211Help.org.

Volunteer to Help

Volunteers are essential to staffing shelters and supporting disaster relief efforts in our state.

Heart of Florida United Way – Disaster Response Team: Sign up

Join Volunteer Florida as Disaster Action Team Responders, provide Disaster Mental Health Services, or assist at Food Banks. Sign up

Build Your Emergency Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and place them in easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. Here are the essential items recommended for your emergency supply kit:

Water: One gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
Food: A supply of non-perishable food for several days.
Battery-powered or Hand Crank Radio: Include a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
Flashlight
First Aid Kit
Extra Batteries
Whistle: To signal for help.
Dust Mask: To help filter contaminated air.
Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape: For sheltering in place.
Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties: For personal sanitation.
Wrench or Pliers: To turn off utilities.
Manual Can Opener: For food.
Local Maps
Cell Phone with Chargers and a Backup Battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Based on your individual needs, consider adding the following items to your emergency kit:

Soap, Hand Sanitizer, and Disinfecting Wipes: To disinfect surfaces.
Prescription Medications: Ensure you have a supply of your daily prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.
Non-prescription Medications: Such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives.
Prescription Eyeglasses and Contact Lens Solution
Infant Formula, Bottles, Diapers, Wipes, and Diaper Rash Cream
Pet Food and Extra Water for Your Pet
Cash or Traveler’s Checks
Important Family Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.
Sleeping Bag or Warm Blanket for Each Person
Complete Change of Clothing: Appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a Waterproof Container
Feminine Supplies and Personal Hygiene Items
Mess Kits, Paper Cups, Plates, Paper Towels, and Plastic Utensils
Paper and Pencil
Books, Games, Puzzles, or Other Activities for Children