As Hurricane Milton continues to whip its way across Florida, leaving a trail of devastation, many in the Tampa Bay region are looking at ways to get help with recovery. From food and water to cleanup and rebuilding resources, here is a how-to guide on essential contact information and resources for those affected by the storm.
FEMA assistance for Hurricane victims
FEMA plays the starring role in disaster recovery. The following are some of the assistance available to the residents of Tampa Bay County and other counties in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton and Helene. Home and business repairs are available in the form of financial assistance and structural repairs; temporary lodging for those displaced by the storm; personal property losses due to hurricane and storm.
To apply for aid with FEMA dial the toll-free number at: (800) 621-3362, or log onto DisasterAssistance.gov. Comfort stations from around Tampa are manned by representatives from FEMA to assist anyone in need seven days a week from 7am to 7pm. Locations include:
- DeSoto Park, 2617 Corrine Street
- Marjorie Park, 97 Columbia Drive
- Gandy Civic Association, 4207 W Oklahoma Avenue
The deadline to apply for aid with FEMA as discussed in this article, Is there a $750 direct payment from FEMA for Hurricane Helene? Yes, but it is only one of the available disaster grants – here…,, is November 27, 2024.
Food assistance resources
One of the major issues after a disaster is food insecurity. Feeding Tampa Bay has food assistance well underway in the area. The following services are available:
Mobile Grocery Locations: These mobile groceries distribute boxes of groceries in the community.
Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens: Several organizations serving the community offer hot meals and boxes of food.
To find food assistance near you, visit FeedingTampaBay.org or call their Neighbor Services help line at (813) 710-9003. You can also text FTBFYI to 833-530-3663 for updates on food distribution schedules.
Water and electricity restoration
High winds from Hurricane Milton have cut power for millions in the Tampa Bay area. To check on power restoration efforts:
- Duke Energy Outage Map: Available on their official website.
- Tampa Electric Outage Map: Also available online .
- Florida Power & Light Outage Map: A resource that bridges gaps in real-time, with regards to power restoration.
Homeowners are encouraged to contact the utility companies directly through the hotline numbers on their websites to report the outage.
Cleanup assistance
There will be much work to clean up after Hurricane Milton passes. In response to these needs, the following will assist the residents with debris removal and cleaning. They can contact the Hurricane Crisis Clean Up Hotline at 844-965-1386. This hotline will put people in touch with cleanup services that can help remove storm debris from properties.
Community clean-ups are also being coordinated by local governments. More information about scheduled activities will follow.
Rebuilding resources
When neighborhoods have started to clean up and recover from the immediate effects of Hurricane Milton, a process for rebuilding will be necessary. Those looking to rebuild their homes can look to their local government website or other resources on how to get copies of building permits and construction guidelines in their city/county. There may be financial assistance programs available. Local chambers of commerce also have resources if you are a small business owner who was affected by the storm.
Mental health support
Such occasions may bring an emotional toll. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues following Hurricane Milton, here are some resources:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 support.
- The Disaster Distress Helpline, (800) 985-5990, is also available for immediate disaster-related crisis counseling.
- Call the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211 for emotional support.
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