Hurricane Isaias

As of Wednesday Oct. 8, Hurricane Isaias has progressed to a Category 1 hurricane, and may become as strong as a Category 2 hurricane by the time it makes landfall in the Gulf Coast between late Friday and Early Saturday. Please check your local news and the National Hurricane Center for up-to-date alerts and evacuation orders.

Florida Emergency Communications


As of Wed. Oct. 7 2026, FL Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in the following counties:
  • Baker
  • Bay
  • Calhoun
  • Columbia
  • Dixie
  • Escambia
  • Franklin
  • Gadsden
  • Gilchrist
  • Gulf
  • Hamilton
  • Holmes
  • Jackson
  • Jefferson
  • Lafayette
  • Leon
  • Liberty
  • Madison
  • Okaloosa
  • Santa Rosa
  • Suwannee
  • Taylor
  • Walton
  • Wakulla
  • Washington

Florida School Closures



Update From FL State Rep. Michelle Salzman

BECOME A DISASTER

VOLUNTEER

Join a team of volunteers to support your community when they need you most! As a disaster volunteer with the VetCV Foundation or one of our VetCV Teaming Partners, you step into the heart of crisis, leveraging your skills to rebuild communities shattered by floods, fires, or hurricanes—delivering immediate aid, clearing debris, and restoring hope where it's needed most.


This role transforms veterans' unique experiences in high-stakes environments into a powerful force for good, fostering resilience in others while reigniting your own sense of purpose. Helping those in need not only heals the helped but profoundly impacts the helper, offering Veterans a renewed mission and definitely a "Purpose" that combats isolation, bolsters mental well-being, and reaffirms a lifelong commitment to service beyond the uniform.


To get started, in your VetCV Vault, just create your Emergency Response Profile and we'll reach out to you when we need you. If you don't have an account yet, just click the Register button. If you want to learn more first, email or call us.

REGISTEREMAIL US

I'd like to learn more

Just send us a short note and they'll get right back to you!



Northwest Florida Volunteering


The Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) is Northwest Florida’s leading disaster preparedness, response, and recovery organization. Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, BRACE strengthens community resilience by coordinating more than 500 partner organizations, training volunteers through Citizen Corps, CERT, and Fire Corps programs, and managing both county Long-Term Recovery Groups.

Please check their social media platforms for information on Volunteer and Donation coordination.

To make financial donations, please visit BeReadyAlliance.org


Emergency Shelters for Unhoused


Opening Doors is preparing for potential hurricane impacts across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with a focus on helping people experiencing unsheltered homelessness access safe shelter and needed services.

Their staff is coordinating outreach, identifying individuals who need referrals, and addressing transportation barriers—particularly in underserved areas such as Santa Rosa County and the Town of Century. They are working with community partners to connect individuals with available resources and coordinate transportation as shelter locations and emergency arrangements are confirmed.

Opening Doors are also coordinating with partners to share consistent, verified information about shelter availability, transportation, and changes to services.

Call 850-435-4055 or go to www.odnwfl.org to learn more.


United Cajun Navy NWFL


The United Cajun Navy is a grassroots nonprofit organization headquartered in the United States, recognized for its prompt and dedicated responses to natural disasters. Established in the Cajun region of Louisiana, this volunteer-led group achieved national prominence following its efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Equipped with boats, trucks, and a strong sense of community responsibility, the United Cajun Navy specializes in life-saving rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, and logistical support in regions severely impacted by floods, hurricanes, and other catastrophic events.

After a storm passes, UCN volunteers help those who suffered loss of residence or require clean-up help. Their tree groups trim limbs off homes, patch holes in roofs, tarp and board up windows, muck out flooded homes, and more. For the United Cajun Navy, "Neighbors" means every community in need.

The United Cajun Navy Emerald Coast FL is cu

Disaster Resources Network

  • State & Federal Disaster Resources
  • Disaster Assistance for Veterans
  • Disaster Assistance
  • Volunteering
State & Federal Disaster Resources

Here’s a list of federal and state resources available for those impacted by the event that can offer immediate and long-term assistance.


Federal Resources:

  1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  2. Provides disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, and businesses.
  3. Website: DisasterAssistance.gov
  4. Phone: 1-800-621-3362
  5. VA
  6. See TAB "Disaster Assistance for Veterans"
  7. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
  8. Offers low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses to repair or replace property damaged by the hurricane.
  9. Website: SBA.gov
  10. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  11. Provides foreclosure relief and special mortgage programs for those impacted by the hurricane.
  12. Website: HUD.gov
  13. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
  14. Offers claims and financial assistance for those with flood insurance coverage.
  15. Website: FloodSmart.gov
  16. Disaster Distress Helpline
  17. Provides mental health counseling and emotional support for individuals and families impacted by the disaster.
  18. Phone: 1-800-985-5990
  19. Website: Samhsa.gov
  20. USDA Disaster Assistance Programs
  21. Offers support for farmers, ranchers, and those in agricultural industries impacted by hurricanes.
  22. Website: USDA.gov
  23. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  24. Offers tax relief for individuals and businesses in federally declared disaster areas.
  25. Website: IRS.gov

Food Assistance

  1. United Way: Food Programs & Food Benefits | United Way 211
  2. Red Cross: 

Florida Resources:

Florida Residents

If you need assistance, Hope Navigators are available right now!

Call Now

1(833) 438- 4673

  1. Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
  2. Website: FloridaDisaster.org
  3. Provides up-to-date information on disaster recovery efforts, shelters, evacuation routes, and assistance programs.
  4. Florida Disaster Recovery Fund
  5. Website: VolunteerFlorida.org
  6. Offers financial assistance for immediate needs such as housing, food, and supplies.
  7. Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)
  8. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA):
  9. Provides temporary unemployment benefits for those affected by a disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment.
  10. Website: DEO Disasters
  11. Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC)
  12. Offers temporary housing assistance to families and individuals displaced by the hurricane.
  13. Website: FloridaHousing.org
  14. American Red Cross of North Florida
  15. Provides emergency shelter, food, and financial assistance.
  16. Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/florida/north-florida.html
  17. 211 Florida
  18. A free resource for connecting people to local shelters, food banks, crisis support, and more.
  19. Phone: 211
  20. Website: 211.org
  21. Food Assistance - SNAP
  22. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides emergency food assistance for those affected by the hurricane.
  23. Website: MyFlorida.com

Georgia Resources:

Georgia Residents

Here’s a list of Georgia resources available for those impacted by the event.

  1. Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)
  2. Coordinates disaster response and recovery efforts, including shelters, supplies, and emergency services.
  3. Website: gema.georgia.gov
  4. Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Disaster Assistance
  5. Provides emergency food, water, shelter, and health services for impacted families.
  6. Website: dhs.georgia.gov
  7. Georgia Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
  8. Helps workers who lost their jobs due to the disaster.
  9. Website: dol.georgia.gov
  10. Georgia Housing Finance Authority
  11. Assists with housing recovery needs, temporary housing, and rebuilding efforts.
  12. Website: housing.georgia.gov
  13. Georgia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (GA VOAD)


North Carolina Resources:

North Carolina Residents

Here’s a list of North Carolina resources available for those impacted by the event.

  1. North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) - Emergency Management
  2. Provides disaster response and recovery resources, including shelters and emergency assistance.
  3. Website: ncdps.gov
  4. North Carolina Division of Employment Security - Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
  5. Offers unemployment benefits to individuals who lost jobs due to the disaster.
  6. Website: des.nc.gov
  7. North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NC VOAD)
  8. A coalition of non-profits and faith-based organizations that offer disaster recovery assistance.
  9. Website: ncvoad.org
  10. North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
  11. Provides financial support for the immediate needs of residents and helps fund recovery efforts.
  12. Website: governor.nc.gov
  13. North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
  14. Provides assistance with temporary housing and rebuilding efforts for affected families.
  15. Website: nchfa.com

Other Helpful Resources

South Carolina Resources:

South Carolina Residents

Here’s a list of South Carolina resources available for those impacted by the event.

  1. South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD)
  2. Provides disaster information, shelter locations, and recovery resources for residents.
  3. Website: scemd.org
  4. South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW) - Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
  5. Offers unemployment benefits for those who lost their jobs due to the disaster.
  6. Website: dew.sc.gov
  7. South Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (SC VOAD)
  8. A coalition of non-profits and faith-based groups offering disaster response and recovery assistance.
  9. Website: scvoad.org
  10. South Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
  11. Provides financial assistance for immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts.
  12. Website: governor.sc.gov
  13. South Carolina Housing Authority
  14. Offers housing assistance programs for individuals affected by natural disasters.
  15. Website: schousing.com


Other Helpful Resources

  • South Carolina 2-1-1
  • A helpline that connects residents with local disaster relief resources such as shelter, food, and financial assistance.
  • Website: sc211.org
  • Salvation Army South Carolina Division
  • Provides food, shelter, and emotional care to disaster survivors.
  • Website: salvationarmycarolinas.org
  • South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Disaster Resources
  • Supports farmers and rural communities impacted by disasters.
  • Website: scfb.org


Tennessee Resources:

Tennessee Residents

Here’s a list of Tennessee resources available for those impacted by the event.

  1. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)
  2. Coordinates statewide disaster response, shelter locations, and recovery efforts for Tennessee residents.
  3. Website: tn.gov/tema
  4. Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) - Disaster Relief Programs
  5. Provides assistance with temporary food, shelter, and financial relief for individuals and families affected by disasters.
  6. Website: tn.gov/humanservices
  7. Tennessee Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
  8. Offers unemployment benefits for those who lost their jobs due to disaster-related circumstances.
  9. Website: jobs4tn.gov
  10. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
  11. Provides housing assistance and grants for homeowners and renters displaced by natural disasters.
  12. Website: thda.org
  13. Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TN VOAD)
  14. A network of non-profit organizations providing disaster response and recovery services.
  15. Website: tnvoad.org
  16. Tennessee 2-1-1
  17. A helpline connecting individuals with disaster recovery services like shelter, food assistance, and health resources.
  18. Website: tn211.org


Other Helpful Resources

  • Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation
  • Provides disaster assistance for farmers and agricultural communities affected by natural disasters.
  • Website: https://tnfarmbureau.org/
  • United Way of Tennessee
  • Provides resources for disaster recovery efforts, including financial assistance and volunteer coordination.
  • Website: uwtn.org
  • Catholic Charities of Tennessee
  • Offers disaster relief services including food, clothing, shelter, and emotional support for individuals in need.
  • Website: cctenn.org

Texas Resources:

Texas Residents

Here’s a list of Texas resources available for those impacted by the event.

Below is a comprehensive list of state-level agencies and departments in Texas that provide emergency and disaster resources for residents impacted by events such as hurricanes, floods, fires, or other crises. This focuses on state resources, drawing from official sources like the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), FEMA state referrals, and specific agency websites. Resources may vary based on the disaster type and whether a federal declaration has been made. For immediate emergencies, always call 911 first. The list is organized alphabetically by agency name.

  1. Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
  2. Coordinates emergency animal healthcare, sheltering, and veterinary resources during disasters.
  3. Provides information on animal health, transport, movement, permits, and regulations for affected livestock or pets.
  4. Handles complaints and responds to situations involving animals in emergencies.
  5. Website: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/
  6. Phone: 512-719-0700 or 800-550-8242
  7. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
  8. Monitors air, water, and land quality post-disaster, including pollution from spills or floods.
  9. Issues licenses, permits, and rules for environmental recovery; handles online complaints for non-spill emergencies.
  10. Coordinates spill reporting and environmental cleanup efforts.
  11. Website: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/
  12. Phone: 512-239-1000 (switchboard), 888-777-3186 (complaints/non-spill emergencies), 800-832-8224 (emergency spills)
  13. Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD)
  14. Offers information and referrals to state and public resources for people with developmental disabilities during disasters.
  15. Supports advocacy, planning, and access to services for recovery and preparedness.
  16. Website: https://tcdd.texas.gov/
  17. Phone: 512-437-5432 or 800-262-0334
  18. Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
  19. Provides consumer help for filing insurance claims after disasters, including guidance on policies and recovery.
  20. Offers tips for preparing for storms, applying for FEMA assistance if insurance falls short, and resolving disputes.
  21. Operates a Help Line for insurance-related questions during recovery.
  22. Website: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/disasters.html
  23. Phone: 800-252-3439 (Consumer Help Line)
  24. Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
  25. Coordinates public health emergency response, including medical support, disease prevention, and recovery from natural or man-made disasters.
  26. Provides disaster preparedness resources, such as emergency kits, plans, and health tips via Texas Ready program.
  27. Manages the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) for health coordination during disasters.
  28. Website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/center-health-emergency-preparedness-response/disaster-response-recovery
  29. Phone: 512-776-7111 (general); for health resources, dial 2-1-1
  30. Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)
  31. Coordinates statewide emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts for all hazards.
  32. Offers damage reporting tools, hurricane and flood resources, and preparedness tips for residents.
  33. Manages the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) for vulnerable populations needing evacuation or special assistance.
  34. Provides training and academy programs for emergency management.
  35. Website: https://tdem.texas.gov/
  36. Phone: 512-424-2208 (general inquiries)
  37. Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
  38. Provides information and referrals to state resources for people with disabilities during emergencies.
  39. Supports accessibility in disaster planning, response, and recovery.
  40. Website: https://gov.texas.gov/disabilities/
  41. Phone: 512-463-5739 (Info & Referral Hotline for Texas callers) or 800-843-5789
  42. Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
  43. Offers financial assistance programs like SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and WIC for disaster-impacted families.
  44. Provides aging services, caregiver support, long-term care, and directory of Area Agencies on Aging for seniors.
  45. Manages Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, including education and independent living aid.
  46. Oversees 2-1-1 Texas for connecting to local health, food, housing, and disaster resources.
  47. Website: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disaster-assistance (general); https://www.211texas.org/ (2-1-1)
  48. Phone: 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 (2-1-1 Texas); 855-937-2372 (Aging Services); 877-787-8999 (Rehabilitation Services)
  49. Texas Office of the Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division
  50. Assists with consumer complaints, identity theft recovery, and protection from scams post-disaster.
  51. Provides resources for filing claims related to fraudulent contractors or price gouging.
  52. Website: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection
  53. Phone: 800-621-0508 (Consumer Protection Hotline)
  54. Texas USDA Farm Service Agency (State Office)
  55. Offers emergency loans for agricultural producers to recover from production and physical losses due to disasters like droughts or floods.
  56. Supports farmers and ranchers with financial aid for rebuilding.
  57. Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Texas/index
  58. Phone: 979-680-5151 or 866-680-6069
  59. Texas USDA Rural Development State Office
  60. Provides low-interest mortgages, guaranteed loans, repair loans, and payment assistance for rural residents affected by disasters.
  61. Focuses on housing recovery in rural areas.
  62. Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/tx
  63. Phone: 254-742-9700
  64. Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
  65. Administers Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those unemployed due to disasters, including self-employed and those not eligible for regular UI.
  66. Offers temporary income replacement and job search resources during recovery.
  67. Website: https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/unemployment-benefits/disaster-unemployment-assistance
  68. Phone: 800-939-6631 (DUA claims)


Other Helpful Resources

  • United Way of Texas
  • Offers disaster relief services including food, clothing, shelter, and emotional support for individuals in need.
  • Website: cctenn.org
Disaster Assistance for Veterans

VA Resources:

Disaster Assistance for Veterans

  1. If you need help determining where to go for care or have questions about VA resources available to you, call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411).
  2. Veterans | DisasterAssistance.gov
  3. Natural disasters may impact your ability to reach us by phone. If you think your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you have non-urgent questions, you can reach VA through the VA Health & Benefits App or My HealtheVet secure messaging to schedule an appointment, refill prescriptions, and access your medical records.
  4. You can also send us your questions through the secure Ask VA online tool. A VA representative who’s familiar with the topic you’re asking about will respond.

Health Care

  1. Check the operating status of VA facilities in the Florida Area.
  2. If your health is impacted by a disaster, please contact your local VA.
  3. VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center (VA Health Connect) 1-877-741-3400
  4. The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center provides 24/7/365 virtual urgent and tele-emergency care to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Veterans who receive care in the network can call 1-877-741-3400 around the clock to get their health questions or concerns addressed from the comfort and convenience of their home, or wherever they may be. Services include general administrative support, nurse triage, pharmacy, virtual visits with a doctor or nurse practitioner, and more.
  5. Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1, text to 838255, chat online. Support for deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889.

Housing

  1. If you or a Veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance in the aftermath of a natural disaster, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (available 24/7): 1-877-424-3838.
  2. The VA Specially Adapted Housing Program may be able to assist you in funding home repairs after a disaster.
  3. VA can ask home loan lenders to put a 90-day freeze on foreclosure or encourage waiving late charges for VA home loans. Visit the VA home loans webpage to learn more.

Compensation and Claims

  1. If you’re unable to receive a benefit payment after a disaster, contact the VA National Call Center at 1-800-827-1000 to request a special one-time payment.

Note: If natural disasters disrupt the timeliness of receiving your claims paperwork or gathering information from you, you won’t be penalized for subsequent mail delays. You can also submit claims and upload other relevant information through your VA.gov account.

Employment

  1. If you’re a displaced Veteran and receive VA employment services, you may qualify for two additional months of Employee Adjustment Allowance. Contact your local VA regional office to speak with a Veteran Readiness & Employment specialist to learn more.

Education

  1. If your school closes temporarily due to a disaster, VA may continue payments. Contact GI Bill specialists Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT at 1-888-442-4551.
  2. Students using Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) or Chapter 35 (Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program): If the enrollment was submitted prior to the recent disaster, no further action is necessary to continue to receive benefits.
  3. Students Using Chapter 30 or 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill) and students using Chapter 33 who are attending Non-College Degree programs and receive monthly housing allowance or kickers should continue to verify their attendance as if the school did not close to ensure benefits are not affected.

Note: If your school remains open, but you’re unable to attend (i.e., if you had to relocate because of the natural disaster), VA is unable to continue GI Bill benefit payments. When you’re no longer pursuing classes, your school must report the termination to VA as soon as possible.

Insurance

  1. VA assists those affected by a natural disaster through such options as instant loan approval online and expedited same-day processing for policy loans.
  2. In addition, we expedite same-day processing and approval for:
  3. Withdrawals from dividend credit and deposit accounts
  4. Extension of premium payment grace period
  5. Extension of reinstatement deadlines
  6. Processing death claims
  7. The Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) follows disaster alerts issued by each state’s Department of Insurance in the event of natural disaster. These alerts generally provide a moratorium on lapsing or extending premium payments. To learn more, call VA’s Insurance Center at 1-800-669-8477.

Fraud

Unfortunately, some predators use natural disasters and emergencies—including disaster response imposters and scammers claiming they are charities to fake emergency loans— as opportunities to target Veterans. Protect yourself and others by reviewing these fraud prevention tips, calling the VSAFE fraud hotline at 1-833-388-7233 or visiting the VSAFE website.


Disaster Assistance

Check out these partners if you need help after a disaster or on a daily basis. If you don't see what you need here, contact them anyway and they can connect you to resources in your area. These organization often offer training and preparation programs too.

Volunteering

If you have a desire to help others in need, volunteer with these organizations.

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