Information and Resources as Hurricane Milton heads to Florida

October 9, 2024

As Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm, barrels toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties. The state is bracing for what could be one of the most destructive hurricanes in recent history, with storm surge, heavy rainfall, and wind gusts expected to cause significant damage.

The state has deployed over 5,000 National Guard members, positioned emergency response vehicles, and staged fuel and electric vehicle (EV) chargers along evacuation routes. The Florida National Guard has helicopters on standby for search-and-rescue missions, and the state has activated 11 special needs shelters for vulnerable residents.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have sent an urgent letter to President Joe Biden supporting Governor DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration. In their letter, the senators stated, “Ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians, property, and our communities.” They urged immediate federal support to help Florida prepare for the impact.

The State Emergency Operations Center is operating at Level 1, the highest state of activation, to coordinate all resources and ensure rapid response once the storm passes.

Resources for Floridians Preparing for Hurricane Milton

• State Assistance Information Line (SAIL): 1-800-342-3557 (available 24/7 in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole)
• Evacuation Routes & Traffic Updates: FL511 or download the FL511 app
• Hurricane Preparedness Guide: FloridaDisaster.org/Guide
• County Emergency Resources: Find county-specific contacts and updates at FloridaDisaster.org/Counties
• Shelter Locator: Text “SHELTER” and your ZIP code to 43362 or visit Red Cross Shelter Map
• FEMA Assistance: Call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Generator and Power Outage Resources: FPL Power Tracker and Florida Power Outage Map
• Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: Apply here
• Pet-Friendly Shelters and Evacuation Resources: Florida State Fairgrounds Pet Shelter, call 954-974-6152 for more info
• National Hurricane Center Updates: NHC
• Flood Safety and Preparedness: CDC Flood Safety Guide
• Florida Emergency Alerts and Notifications: Sign up at Alert Florida

Healthcare and Special Needs Support

• Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is supporting the evacuation of over 200 health care facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers. Information on bed availability and generator needs is being coordinated via the Health Facility Reporting System.
• Veterans’ Assistance: The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs has prepared all state-run veterans’ homes with emergency generators. For more info, call 727-319-7440 or email FDVA.VSO@FDVA.FL.GOV.

How to Prepare for the Storm

1. Evacuate if Ordered: Follow local officials’ instructions and use designated evacuation routes.
2. Stock Emergency Supplies: Water (1 gallon per person per day for 7 days), non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, and medications.
3. Secure Important Documents: Store insurance, ID, and medical records in a waterproof container.
4. Prepare Your Pets: Ensure you have pet food, medical records, and animal identification.

* This information is current as of Wednesday, October 9^th at 11:00 AM. For the latest updates and live alerts, follow the Florida Division of Emergency Management on social media or visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.