Hurricane Resources
In preparation of a Hurricane’s arrival to Central Florida, we have compiled hurricane resources that can help you before, during and after the storm. This page will be updated as information becomes available. Be sure to follow Heart of Florida United Way on Twitter (@HFUW) and Facebook (@HeartofFloridaUnitedWay) for information as well.
Note: We are also available to support you in Spanish. Our 211 Information and Referral hotline, which is available by calling 211, texting your zip code to 898211, or chatting online, is available 24/7/365 and our 211 operators are multilingual and can assist you in Spanish.
Spanish Translation:
También podemos proveer ayuda en español. Nuestra línea de ayuda y informacion 211, puede ser utilizada llamando al 211, por mensaje de texto a 898211, o por chat en línea. 211 esta disponible las 24 horas, 7 días, todo el año, nuestros operadores son bilingües y te pueden ayudar en español.
HFUW is Here to Help
Call: 2-1-1
Text: Your zipcode to 898211
Chat online here
United Way’s 2-1-1 is Central Florida’s 24/7/365 information and assistance hotline during natural disasters, and throughout the year, for connecting with community resources, like:
- 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
To search for resources in your area using our online database, visit www.UW211Help.org.
Emergency Kit
An emergency kit includes basic items your household may need in the event of a disaster. Start building your emergency kit here to be prepared for several days after a storm.
Resources Available in Orange, Seminole, & Osceola Counties
Orange County
- FREE Self-Serve Sandbag Sites
- Shelters
- Stay Informed. Click here to sign up for mobile applications and newsletters.
- Sign up for OC Alert – Free alert system that allows Orange County Government to contact you via email or cell phone text message during an emergency affecting Orange County.
Phone: 3-1-1 |407-836-3111
Special Needs: 407-836-9319
Website: http://www.orangecountyfl.net/tabid/3761/default.aspx
Twitter: @OrangeCoFL | https://twitter.com/OrangeCoFL
Facebook: @OrangeCountyFlorida | https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyFlorida
Apps available: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyFlorida
Osceola County
- FREE Sandbag Locations
- Shelters – stay tuned for openings here.
- Pet friendly shelters
- Stay informed. Click here to sign up for Alert Osceola Emergency notifications.
Phone: 407-742-0000
Special Needs: 407-742-9001
Website: http://www.osceola.org/agencies-departments/emergency-management/hurricane-center/
Twitter: @OsceolaCountyFL | https://twitter.com/osceolacountyfl
Facebook: @OsceolaCountyFL | https://www.facebook.com/OsceolaCountyFL
Seminole County
Phone: 3-1-1 | 407-665-0311
Website: http://www.prepareseminole.org
Twitter: @seminolecounty | https://twitter.com/seminolecounty
Facebook: @SeminoleCounty | https://www.facebook.com/SeminoleCounty
Emergency Operation Centers are available in your county, view more info.
After Storm Resources Information
Emergency food pantry locations
Phone: 407-295-1066
Website: https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=need_food
Red Cross Shelters
Website: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter
Phone: 407-894-4141 (local) or 800-733-2767 (Toll Free National)
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
Apply for assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Phone: 1-800-621-3362
Website: https://www.fema.gov
Twitter: @FEMA | https://twitter.com/fema
Utility Service Provider: Florida Public Service Commission
Program provides an online locator tool for public, private and city utility providers.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to staff our state’s shelters and support other disaster relief organizations.
- Heart of Florida United Way – Disaster Response Team. Sign up here.
- Volunteer Florida – Disaster Action Team Responders, Disaster Mental Health Services, and Food Banks. Sign up here.
Disaster Distress Helpline
Provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters
Call or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 800-985-5990
Florida Hurricane Resources
Florida Disaster State Emergency Response Team (SERT)
Website: https://www.floridadisaster.org/site-index/
Phone: 1-800-342-3557
Twitter: @FLsert | https://twitter.com/flsert
Facebook: @FloridaSERT | https://www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT/
Alerts: Text FLPrepares to 888777 to have alerts sent straight to your phone
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
Phone: 1-800-621-3362
Website: https://www.fema.gov
Twitter: @FEMA | https://twitter.com/fema
Florida Special Needs Registry
Website: https://www.floridadisaster.org/snr/
Phone: 800-374-9689
Special Needs by County: http://www.floridadisaster.org/disability/specialneeds/
Additional Resources
5-1-1
Contact 5-1-1 for information about traffic and evacuation routes.
Call: 5-1-1
Website: https://fl511.com
Twitter @fl511_central | http://twitter.com/fl511_central
Text alerts: https://fl511.com/PersonalizedServices
App available
GasBuddy
Check GasBuddy for live updates on fuel availability
App: https://www.gasbuddy.com/App
Price Gouging Hotline
Report instances of price gouging on hurricane supplies
Phone: 1-866-966-7226
Ready.Gov
Step-by-step plan on how to prepare from days to hours before a hurricane: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
