Hurricane Helene

ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts Ahead of Helene 9/24/24

ICYMI:Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts Ahead of Hurricane Helene 9/25/24

Executive Order 24-208

Executive Order 24-209

Residents in need of information can call: 1-800-342-3557 for resources before and after Helene.

There are English, Spanish and Creole speakers available to answer questions. 

Shelters are available in areas at risk of Hurricane Helene. 

There are shelters that can accomodate:

• Special needs
• pets

Find open shelters here. 

Find specific shelter information by contacting your county emergency management, which info can be found here. 

All Florida coastal counties and counties are susceptible to storm surge and most have designated evacuation zones. Use the mapping tool below to search by address and determine if you are in a designated evacuation zone.

For assistance in finding shelters near you and transportation support in the Big Bend CALL: (800) 729-3413. Shuttles will stop by 2 PM 9/26/24!

UBER is providing Floridians free rides up to $35 each way to and from a state-approved shelter in counties under a state of emergency for Hurricane Helene. To get a ride users should use promo code HELENERELIEF. 

VISIT FLORIDA has activated Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has crafted special offers for Evacuees and First Responders in need of accommodations in the event of an evacuation. Please see the linked pages below for more information. 

• • Evacuees
  • First Responders

Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates* for residents in the 61 counties where Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency. This initiative provides evacuees with a safe and affordable place to stay as they ride out the storm. For more information see https://www.rosenhotels.com/rosen-hotels-resorts-reduces-pricing-ahead-of-helene/

Evacuation Zones - to determine if you are in a designated evacuation zone

Evacuation Orders -  View Florida county evacuation orders

Read More About Evacuation Zones - learn more about designated evacuation zones, which counties have them and which don't, how flood zones are factored into evacuations, and evacuation orders

County Emergency Management Websites

County Emergency Managers

Click the link or view the map below for County EM Managers with contact information

• County EM Managers with Contacts Map (pdf)

• Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers. The number is 833-514-2940
• Samaritan's Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234
• Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
• Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work & Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.
• 2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls
• Individuals can call for up-to-the-minute information including school closures and sandbag distributions.
• Local Social Services Referral.
• Red Cross Hotline is open to assist survivors: 1-800-Red Cross
• Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123
• Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
• Volunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work and Muck outs
• Crisis Cleanup number: 844-965-1386

Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.

FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated.

For more information on school closures, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.

DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates.

While living in and visiting Florida offers many benefits and advantages, it is important to keep in mind severe weather hazards and potential threats. Every family and business should have predefined emergency plans and always keep an emergency supply kit ready and stocked.

Each Florida county has a designated emergency management program, and residents, businesses, and visitors should also visit their county's emergency management for the most up-to-date and locally significant information.

• Make a Family Plan
• Make a Business Plan

How To Fill A Sandbag:

Fill sandbags 1/2 to 2/3 full, tie at top so bag will lay flat when put in place. A properly filled sand bag should weigh between 35-40 lbs.

Overfilled bags and bags tied too low leave gaps in sandbag levee allowing water to seep through. An overfilled sandbag can weigh 70 - 75 lbs.

TIP: Always use gloves to protect your hands during the filling operation. After handling treated bags, avoid contact with your eyes and mouth. Dress appropriately and layer clothing. Safety goggles should be used on dry and windy days.

Overfilled bags and bags tied too low leave gaps in sandbag levee allowing water to seep through. An overfilled sandbag can weigh 70–75 lbs.

How To Place Sandbags:

Sandbags should be placed flat on ground, overlapped, tamped into place, and stair stepped.

How Many Bags Do You Need?

Every year it's important for residents to know if they live an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood prone area, a mobile home or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. These areas and buildings are most likely to be evacuated and knowing these zones helps Floridians prepare to evacuate and better understand orders from local officials.

This year, it is also very important for residents to know their home. If an evacuation order is not issued for your area and your house is not in an evacuation zone, you may consider sheltering in place. If you shelter in place, it’s important to know your home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.

Instructions to Know Your Zone, Know Your Home

• Click Know Your Zone Map (Please note, the Division is continuously updating and making improvements to this website. If you are prompted to log in or are unable to access the map, please try again at a later time.)
• Type in your address
• Know Your Zone - Find if your address is in one of the colored evacuation zones (these are flood zones)
• If you are in an evacuation zone, listen to evacuation orders from local officials (Typically Zone A is the most vulnerable and the most likely to evacuate first. Zone E is most likely to evacuate last)
• If an evacuation order is not issued for your area, you may consider sheltering in place. Not all evacuations zones are always ordered.  
• If you shelter in place, it’s important to Know Your Home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain

Take a look to see where your zone is at  Know Your Zone Map.

Zone Designations

Report Price Gouging in Florida

Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.

• Office of the Attorney General Call: 1-866-966-7226

For a map of public Xfinity WiFi hotspots, which are located both indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks, and businesses, visit Finder.wifi.xfinity.com.

To find the nearest hotspot location in your city, please search the WiFi Hotspot Map. Enter your zip code, zoom in on the interactive map to view the results, and click on the locations for details.

To help residents and emergency personnel stay connected ahead of Helene, Comcast has opened 52,296 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across Florida in Hurricane Helene’s potential path. The free and public hotspots are open for anyone to use, including non-Xfinity customers.

The Xfinity WiFi hotspot network is now open for all in the following counties:

DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.

FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925

Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.