Hurricane Helene Assistance

Hurricane Helene Assistance Resources & Recommendations:

Recommendations:

• Anyone with insurance (homeowners, flood, rental) should contact their insurance ASAP.
• Get claim numbers from insurance and all other sources of assistance (FEMA, etc.).
• Once claims are opened, be sure to EMAIL after every phone call AND include claim #.
• Include Claim # and address on all emails in subject line.
• Calls can be very helpful, BUT they leave you without documentation unless you ALSO email. Emails are strong documentation to help you get the attention you deserve.
• If they answer the call, your email should summarize your call. “As per our conversation…..”and give bullet points. Thank them. Follow up.
• If they do NOT answer, the email should include the issues you’re calling about.
• You can follow up on emails periodically by hitting reply. Easy for you and documents each of your attempts at communication.
• Keep records of everything, including calls, emails, etc. An online calendar can be very helpful for this. Include a searchable term with each related entry to make for easy search and access. For ex – each can say "Helene", so you can search that term for details when you need them.
• Create a folder online AND keep a physical folder for all paper documents, receipts, etc.
• Take pictures of everything.
• Keep every receipt.
• All sources of assistance take time. They are overwhelmed during a crisis like this so get yourself safe and situated first while you wait for assistance and reimbursement.

Links and Numbers to Sources of Assistance:

• INSURANCE FIRST! Reach out to your homeowners/flood/renter’s insurance ASAP.
• FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4828  (link to resources and helpful information specifically for Hurricane Helene). You can also call #800-621-3362.
• Hope Florida offers various state resources, including travel trailers to live in on your property during repairs, Apply online at Hurricane Helene Recovery - Hope Florida or call #800-GET-HELP
• Unemployment due to the hurricane can be filed online now. See details, links and phone number here: https://floridajobs.org/news-center/DEO-Press/2024/09/30/florida-commerce-announces-disaster-unemployment-assistance-is-available-to-floridians-impacted-by-hurricane-helene
• Pasco County will be doing curb pickups over the next several days/weeks. Check this link for details and contact numbers: https://www.pascocountyfl.net/_T18_R268.php
• Storm Debris Pickup for City of Tampa: Tampa Storm Debris Collection Post Hurricane Helene | City of Tampa
• Storm Debris pickup for Hillsborough County: https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2024/09/29/hillsborough-county-announces-curbside-storm-debris-collection
• Storm Debris pickup for Hernando County: https://www.hernandocounty.us/Home/Components/News/News/8786/2810  

Hopefully this information will be helpful for those who need it. Wishing everyone the best possible recovery.