Rep. Luna’s Hurricane Milton Resources

Oct 05, 2024
Press

Important Resources for Flood Insurance & Mitigation Assistance

If you have flood insurance questions or need assistance:

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): Call 877-336-2627 or visit NFIP Advocate.

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: Website | Email: Consumer.Services@myfloridacfo.com | Call 877-693-5236.

Mitigation Assistance Programs

My Safe Florida Home Program: Learn about potential state mitigation funding at mysafeflhome.com.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): Funds available 12 months after disaster declaration. Learn more.

State Mitigation Grants: Email ResidentialMitigation@em.myflorida.com or visit Florida Disaster.

Annual Competitive Mitigation Grants (NFIP Policy Required):

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA).

Swift Current Initiative.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC).

Local Contacts

State Floodplain Manager: Email floods@em.myflorida.com | Call (850) 815-4556.

Pinellas County Floodplain Management Office: Call (727) 464-7700.

Note: FEMA provides funding for some programs, but the state manages and disburses funds to local entities. Contact your local or state office for more details on specific issues.

The devastation that has hit our community is unimaginable. We are grateful to the first responders and good neighbors who have helped and continue working to help our community.

Our office is in contact with FEMA and will assist in any way possible to ensure that our community rebuilds and heals from Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Our family is praying for everyone who was impacted by the storm, and we are here for you.

I’ve been keeping you updated with the latest storm information on my social media channels and created a dedicated page on my website with hurricane resources at luna.house.gov/hurricane.

I hope these updates have helped keep you and your family safe throughout the storm. If you need assistance from my office or me, please call my office at (727) 610-3980, and we will be ready to help you. My district office will temporarily close while my staff and their families recover from the storm.

📝 REPORT DAMAGES: Go to pinellas.gov/ReportDamage to submit photos and report any damages to your home. This will help speed up FEMA claims once they are available.

🏛️ FEMA CLAIMS: Fill out the form:

DisasterAssistance.gov

• FEMA mobile app

800-621-3362. If you use 711 or VRS, call 800-462-7585.

👷 CLEANUP ASSISTANCE: Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. If you need help cleaning up after the storm, this connects you with volunteers from local organizations and faith communities who can assist with tasks like muck-outs, tree removal, tarps, and debris.

⚡️ STAY SAFE DURING POWER OUTAGES: If you are using a generator after losing power, keep it outside in a well-ventilated area, away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use it in a garage, even with the door open—carbon monoxide can be deadly. Also, don’t turn your power back on after flooding until an electrician checks your outlets to avoid fire hazards.

🌊 BEWARE OF FLOODING: Even though the hurricane has passed, there is still flooding and blocked roads. Check this website to stay updated if you are in an area that can experience flooding and devastating storm surges.

☎️ I’ve also put together a list of important emergency contacts:

Remember, if you need assistance, my office and I are here to help you through the recovery process. We are committed to ensuring you are cared for during this challenging time. Stay safe, and we will get through this together.

Read My General Hurricane Guide:

Pinellas, Don’t Get Caught in the Storm This Hurricane Season!

From my experience living in Florida, hurricane season can become hectic and stressful. We must ensure that everyone is prepared and protected. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Florida’s 13th district is surrounded by water, making us vulnerable to potential damage during tropical storms.

I hope this website helps you be prepared and safe throughout these months.

HURRICANE SEASON STARTS JUNE 1ST AND ENDS NOVEMBER 30TH

Here are some quick tips:

  • 📸 Take photos of your home and property before a storm; this will help if you need to make an insurance claim after a hurricane.
  • 🔦 Compile supplies and make an emergency kit with food, water, batteries, flashlights, and other essential items. Go to ready.gov/kit to make your emergency kit.
  • ⚡️ Keep generators away from vents which can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home.
  • 🌊 Know your evacuation and flood zone. Go to kyz.pinellas.gov and enter your address to find out which zone you are located in.
  • 🔔 You can also sign up for alerts about hurricanes at pinellas.gov/alert-pinellas to stay informed.
  • ⛑️ Never take any risks with your or your family’s lives. Always put them first over material possessions.

Rep. Luna’s Phone Book

It’s essential you keep a list of the most important numbers to call in case of an emergency during a storm. Here’s my list of relevant numbers from our district.

Print this page for easy access if there’s no power.

Federal
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (800) 621-3362
American Red Cross – Tampa Bay Chapter (813) 348-4820

State
Florida Division of Emergency Management (850) 815-4000
Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL) (800) 342-3557

Local
Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center (727) 464-3800
Duke Energy (Electricity) (800) 228-8485
Pinellas County Utilities (Water) (727) 464-4000
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (727) 582-6200
St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue (727) 893-7694

ALWAYS CALL 911 if you are in immediate danger and need emergency help.

To find a FEMA shelter near you, text SHELTER and your ZIP CODE to 43362.

As always, my office will disseminate storm information, so follow my official page, @RepLuna, on Twitter and Instagram.

Rep. Luna’s Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit full of supplies and important documents is essential for your and your family’s well-being during a storm. Here are some of the items I always keep at hand:

  1. Water (one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days)
  2. Food (non-perishable per person for 7 days)
  3. Medications (two-week minimum supply)
  4. Important Documents (in a waterproof container)
    • Insurance Cards
    • Bank Information
    • SSN Cards, Birth and Marriage Certificates
    • Important Phone Numbers
  5. Non-Electric Can Opener
  6. Flashlights and Extra Batteries
  7. Candles and Matches (or Lighter)
  8. First Aid Kit, Sunscreen, and Bug Spray
  9. Portable Battery Bank for Electronic Devices
  10. Full Tank of Gas in Your Vehicle(s)
  11. Toiletries
  12. Battery Powered Radio
  13. Local Maps
  14. Whistle (to signal for help)

Download the checklist below and use it as a guide to make your emergency kit!

You can also create a customized kit that fits your needs by visiting https://ready.gov/kit

Making Sure Our People Are Safe

I spoke at a hurricane preparedness press conference with Senator Rick Scott to spread awareness in our district. 

You can watch the press video below, which contains helpful tips for hurricane season:

My Office is Here to Help

As always, my office is here to serve you. Feel free to reach out to my district office at any time by calling (727) 610-3980 or mailing us a letter at 9200 113th St. N, Office 310, Seminole, FL 33772.

Subscribe to my Newsletter

The easiest way for me to contact you directly is if you sign up for my newsletter. Just click here and put it in your email, and you will be the first to get all my latest updates.

Let’s stay safe and resilient this hurricane season!

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