Intro to Natural Disaster Help
Natural disasters are inevitable, and the damage they cause can be unpredictable. Seniors are the most vulnerable to the aftermath due to potential issues with health, mobility, awareness, and access to resources. This problem is especially evident during hurricane season in Florida as seniors make up about 20% of the state’s population.
Helping our senior family members, friends, and neighbors is critical during times of crisis. Fortunately for Floridians, many community resources are also available to support seniors after a storm.
Below is a list of disaster relief efforts seniors can utilize after a hurricane or other natural disaster.
Seniors should not have to face emergencies alone. Florida Senior Consulting Advisors is here to care for your senior loved ones and ensure their wellbeing after a disaster.
If you need further assistance or guidance regarding senior care and housing in the wake of Hurricane Helene or Milton, call Florida Senior Consulting Advisors at (800) 969-7176 for a free consultation. We care about your senior loved ones, and we are ready to help.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSAT)
Relief teams that go door-to-door to help those affected assess their needs, apply for assistance, receive application updates, and access additional resources.
Options for applying:
- Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- Call 800-621-3362 (If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.)
- Download the FEMA mobile app
Shelter Resources
Emergency shelter resources in Florida are as follows:
- Click here to see the status of open shelters in the state of Florida
- Click here to use Visit Florida’s emergency system for finding lodging and hotels
Emergency Food and Water Resources
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)
Centers that provide guidance on disaster recovery, written correspondence, housing assistance and rental resource information. Answers questions and provides referrals to other agencies that can help.
- Find a DRC location here (scroll down to “Disaster Recovery Centers”)
Food Replacement
Available to SNAP recipients with food losses caused by Hurricane Milton or Helene.
Avoid Scams and Fraud
Many scam artists emerge after natural disasters to take advantage of people’s confusion and loss.
- Read about how to avoid getting scammed here
- Check FEMA’s list of common rumors and scams after natural disasters here
Small Business Association Disaster Loan
Available for businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters in declared disaster areas
Fuel and Electric Power
State Assistance Information Line
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An additional resource for accessing up-to-date information related to the hurricane
- Call 1-800-342-3557 toll-free
Natural Disaster Help for Seniors
For help finding appropriate living arrangements after a natural disaster in Florida, seniors can call Senior Consulting Advisors at (800) 969-7176.
For help finding safe senior living options after the Hurricane, call Florida Senior Consulting Advisors at (800) 969-7176 or visit SeniorConsultingAdvisor.com.
