HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES 

For additional tips on hurricane preparedness, please review the information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) here: 

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes (FEMA) 

https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/ (FDEM) 

For weather updates, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s webpage here: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ 

To report price gouging during a declared state of emergency, please contact the Office of the Florida Attorney General here: 

https://www.myfloridalegal.com/how-to-contact-us/file-a-complaint 

Online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov 

Call: 1-800-621-3362 

When you apply for aid, have the following information on hand: 

·    The address of your damaged home or apartment 

·    Names of people living in your household 

·    A description of your disaster damages 

·    Insurance information 

·    Your Social Security Number 

·    A telephone number where you can be reached or left a message 

·    An address where you can get mail 

·    If you want your disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank, provide FEMA your bank information

SBA Disaster Assistance Loans – How to Apply 

Online: www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance 

Call: 1-800-659-2955  

USDA – Agriculture Assistance 

Online: www.Farmers.gov/protection-recovery/hurricane 

HUD Disaster Resources 

Online: www.hud.gov/disaster-resources 

Call: 1-800-304-9320   

Red Cross 

Online: www.RedCross.org 

Call: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) 

If you need assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help. 

You may submit a request for assistance by scanning the QR code below, visiting moody.senate.gov, or calling us toll-free in Florida at 866-630-7106.

·       Know evacuation routes and shelter locations; 

·       Stock up on enough food, water and emergency supplies for the entire household for at least seven days, including: 

·       Water (one gallon daily per person) and Non-Perishable Food 

·       Non-Electric Can Openers, Paper Plates, and Plastic Utensils 

·       Flashlights and Extra Batteries 

·       Pillows, Blankets, and/or Sleeping Bags 

·       Pet Food and Care Items 

·       Toiletries 

·       Cleaning Supplies 

·       Cash 

·       Toys, Books, and Games 

·       Important Documents, such as Insurance, Medical, and Banking Records 

·       Tools 

·       First Aid Kits, Sunscreen, and Bug Spray 

·       Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Weather Radios 

·       Check that storm-related products are hurricane-proof or impact-proof before making a purchase. 

·       Follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management officials. 

·       Stay away from windows and seek shelter. 

Every natural disaster or emergency provides an opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to try to take advantage of the crisis and prey on those in distress. Qualified contractors are in high demand following a disaster. If in need of a repair, follow these tips to find a reputable contractor:  

·       Be wary of anyone who approaches unsolicited offering to work at a discount with supplies left from a previous job;  

·       Have damage evaluated by the insurer before arranging repairs to ensure work will be covered;  

·       Get at least three written, itemized estimates on repairs;  

·       Research the company and its reputation with the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org;  

·       Verify the contractor’s license at MyFloridaLicense.com;  

·       Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that the policy is current;  

·       Read and understand the repair contract before signing; 

·       Never pay the full amount of a repair up front and carefully consider before providing a large deposit;  

·       Insist on releases from any liens that could be placed on the property prior to making final payment; and  

·       Do not sign a certificate of completion until satisfied with the work performed. 

After a storm or other devastating event, you may wish to help those who suffered loss. Verify that charities are legitimate before donating and beware of solicitors using high-pressure tactics, such as demanding urgent donations or sharing limited information when soliciting donations.