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FEMA Resource Bundle
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Applying for Disaster Assistance: People in designated counties can apply for FEMA assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362 or in the FEMA App.
- Reunification: People who need help reconnecting with loved ones missing after the hurricane can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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Hurricane Helene Resources: FEMA has a list of State, Tribal and Local official websites and resources on FEMA.gov/Helene.
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Supporting the Response: You can learn about some of the organizations making a difference at nvoad.org/hurricane-helene-response and sign up to volunteer or donate cash to an organization of your choice.
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If you are an organization wanting to support, please contact the FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons at FEMA-VAL@fema.dhs.gov.
Private Property Debris Removal
The current version of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) v4 states that private property debris removal (PPDR) requires pre-approval before the work starts. However, FEMA issued interim guidance no longer requiring pre-approval of PPDR and that change will be reflected in PAPPG v5 which FEMA concluded in their public comment period.
Please find attached FEMA’s latest Fact Sheet on PPDR that outlines the conditions for reimbursement of PPDR. I would call your attention to the following items as conditions of reimbursement:
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Notification to FEMA: The Applicant must notify FEMA when PPDR is taking place and specify the type of property involved, such as privately-owned residential or commercial property. This ensures FEMA can coordinate with relevant components and federal partners.
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Property Documentation: A list of the properties, including fully executed right of entry documentation regarding where PPDR activities occurred, must be retained, and provided to FEMA upon request.
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Legal Authority and Public Interest: The Applicant must demonstrate they have the legal authority and responsibility to carry out PPDR, comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and contracts, indemnify the U.S. government against any claims arising from debris removal, and confirm that the work is in the public interest.
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Evaluation of Threat: When FEMA evaluates requests for PPDR funding, they will consider the extent and magnitude of debris on private or commercial properties, specifically whether it poses a significant threat to public health, safety, or property. FEMA may also assess factors such as the social vulnerability of the affected area, the percentage of homes destroyed, community density, watershed exposure, and the cost associated with hazardous debris removal.
Messaging for Hurricane Milton
- The National Hurricane Center forecasts Hurricane Milton will be a large and extremely dangerous hurricane when it approaches the west coast of Florida tomorrow, bringing devastating hurricane-force winds and life-threatening life surge. In addition to storm surge and extreme winds, Milton will bring heavy rain and the risk of life-threatening flooding, especially in areas with coastal and inland flooding.
- Hurricane Milton is an extremely dangerous, potentially deadly storm. Those in its path are urged to rush to complete preparations today, know how they are going to get information and listen to local officials.
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Counties in Hurricane Milton’s path have issued evacuation orders. If you need to evacuate, please “evacuate out, not up.” People should visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to determine if they live in an evacuation zone.
- If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Your gas tank and electric vehicle only need to be halfway full or halfway charged to ensure you can evacuate further inland to a safe location and away from storm surge. You may only need to travel tens of miles, not hundreds.
- If you live in a county with an evacuation order in place and need evacuation assistance, please call 1-800-729-3413 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the hurricane evacuation charter bus schedule. Again, this is for residents that are in areas with evacuation orders. Florida also partnered with Uber to provide free rides to a shelter using the code MILTONRELIEF.
- The state of Florida has activated the State Assistance Information Line. Residents needing information and resources can call 1-800-342-3557. There are English, Spanish & Creole speakers available to answer questions.
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A list of emergency shelters, including those that can accommodate people who need assistance and those who have pets can be found at Shelter Status | Florida Disaster.
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Additional resources and state updates on Hurricane Milton can be found by visiting FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
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For live updates, follow FLSERT on X and Instagram and FDEM on Facebook.
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Download the free FEMA App available in English and Spanish to receive real-time weather alerts and find local emergency shelters in your area.
Hurricane Milton Draft Social Posts
Tag @FLSERT on X, Florida Division of Emergency Management on Facebook, @flsert on Instagram (they are using Stories).
USDA Resources
USDA Hotlines
Farm Service Agency Call Center (information on USDA programs): 877-508-8364
Farmer Mental Health – Southern Ag Exchange Network Farmer Support Hotline: 888-381-7243
USDA Disaster Assistance Websites & Resources
White House Contacts
Sophia Sokolowski (she/her)
Senior Advisor, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
sophia.p.sokolowski@who.eop.gov | +1 202 881 6968 (cannot receive texts)
Rick Hart (he/him)
Advisor, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
roderick.w.hart@who.eop.gov | +1 202 881 9457 (cannot receive texts)
Zion Tims (he/him)
Coordinator, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
zion.f.tims@who.eop.gov | +1 202 881 9946 (cannot receive texts)
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