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Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Southwest Florida's Hurricane season is officially here. Stock up on supplies now, so you're prepared in the future. Compiled below are a list of local and state resources in the event of an emergency. Click the links below for hurricane preparedness checklists, recommended supplies, and more.

Hurricane Relief Survey
Shelter Status

STATE OF FLORIDA RESOURCES 

Florida Division of Emergency Management
Report Price Gouging During a State of Emergency - 1(866)-9NO-SCAM
Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness
Florida Disaster - Know Your Evacuation Zone
National Weather Service Hurricane Guide


LEE COUNTY 
  • Emergency Medical Services - 911
  • Lee County Storm Hotline - 211 
  • Lee County Emergency Management - (239) 533-0622

COLLIER COUNTY
  • Emergency Medical Services - 911 
  • Collier County Emergency Hotline - 311 or  239-252-8444
  • Naples Community Hospital - (239) 624-5000
  • Collier County Emergency Management - (239) 252- 3600

Volunteer/Donation Opportunities
After a disaster, people come together to help. To make the most of your contributions, it’s important to follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. The below tried and true best practices will give you a starting point.  You can also email the FEMA Donations Unit at Donations@fema.dhs.gov for answers to your specific questions or to make an in-kind donation.

Learn more about how you can help here


IRS: Hurricane Ian Victims In Florida Qualify For Tax Relief; Oct. 17 Deadline, Other Dates Extended To February 15th

Hurricane Ian victims throughout Florida now have until Feb. 15, 2023, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This means that individuals and households that reside or have a business anywhere in the state of Florida qualify for tax relief. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.

Read more here.

APPLY FOR FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE 

All individuals impacted by the storm should apply for FEMA assistance. Even if you do not qualify for assistance yourself, applying for benefits could impact what benefits are approved for your community. Apply by phone to FEMA: 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech-or hearing-impaired). Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362. Apply online anytime at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet using m.fema.gov or download the FEMA mobile app.
 
Please have the following information available when you call:
  • A phone number and a reliable alternate in case FEMA needs to call you back;
  • Address of the damaged property;
  • Social Security number;
  • Bank account information (or direct deposit information);
  • Insurance information (if you have insurance);
  • Brief description of damages;
  • Current mailing address; and
  • Pen and paper to write down your registration number.
  • Government disaster assistance only covers basic needs and usually will not compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy.
If you are one of the 1.6 million Floridians with flood insurance, report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. Be sure to ask them about advance payments. Need help finding your insurance agent or carrier? Call 877-336-2627. To learn more about how to start your flood insurance claim, visit Floodsmart.gov.

SBA DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in some counties in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to Hurricane Ian beginning Sept. 23.

  • SBA Disaster Declaration Details
  • Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/  and should apply under SBA declaration # 17644.
  • For help, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov
  • Mental Health & Counseling Resources: Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990