Websites Links and Phone Numbers

Hurricane Information and Assistance

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Federal Government

“Citizens” section has links to federal agencies that provide disaster recovery assistance including FEMA, benefit programs like Medicaid, Sec. 8 housing, Social Security Disablity, Veterans Prescription Service, Employment & Training and agencies that help with replacement of vital records and documents (Social Security and Medicare cards, passports, medical records, driver’s license and vehicle registration, birth, marriage and death certificates, bank records and tax returns) and replacement of damaged money and savings bonds.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Information regarding disaster housing assistance. Links to other website with disaster recovery information. Phone: (202) 708-1112

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Provides disaster and recovery information for individuals, businesses, government agencies and private organizations, including faith-based groups. Allows for online registration for individual assistance with primary residence damage, rental, lodging, medical, dental and funeral expenses and financial assistance for older persons. Click on “Citizen Corps” and then click on the “Programs & Partners” icon, followed by clicking on “National Citizen Corps Council Partners” and “Affiliate Programs & Partners” for a listing of national, state and local government and private organizations assisting in preparedness and recovery efforts. Links to other related sites. Apply by phone: 1-800-621-FEMA(3362)

Small Business Administration

Apply online for disaster business loans or find physical locations and hours for Recovery Centers around the state. Provides a “disaster planning” guide for businesses and homeowners. Links to other websites with disaster and recovery information. Phone: 1-800-U-ASK-SBA, Miami Office: (305) 536-5521

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Provides information about disaster preparation and recovery assistance programs performed by the Corps, including its Operation Blue Roof and Prime Power programs. Phone: 1-888-766-3258

STATE OF FLORIDA GOVERNMENT

Division of Emergency Management

Provides pre- and post-disaster and recovery information with links to related sites of government and private agencies offering assistance. Phone: 850-413-9900

Department of Business & Professional Regulation (licensing portal)

Check the state license status and complaint history of a contractor before hiring to do repair work. Allows for filing complaints online. Phone: 850-487-1395

Department of Financial Services

Check the license information of insurance companies and agents and file complaints online. Click on the home page “hurricane” icon for general disaster and recovery information and specific information regarding insurance issues and for a listing of consumer alerts and telephone numbers and websites for disaster assistance agencies. Also, the home page has an icon for “The Car Check” to research the history of a used car to make sure it was not one of those listed in FEMA-declared flood disaster areas. Phone: 1-800-342-2762

Click on the “hurricane” icon for information about price gouging. Allows for filing complaints online. Links to other sites for disaster information and assistance. Click on the “Consumer Alerts” icon for warnings and suggestions before hiring repair companies. Phone: 1-866-966-7226

Provides disaster preparation and recovery information regarding health issues with links to specific information about individual storms. Links to other sites regarding emergency/disaster planning. Check the license status for health care professionals. Phone: Florida Emergency Information Line 1-800-342-3557

Click on “Disaster Preparedness” for preparation and recovery information, including “Disaster Preparedness Guide for Seniors”, “Family Disaster Guide” and “Disaster Supply Kit”, with links to related sites. Phone: 1-800-96ELDER (1-800-963-5337)

Provides useful and helpful information about condominium operations and the rights and responsibilities of unit owners. Phone: 954-202-3234

Click on “AWI Programs” for disaster recovery information related to jobs and unemployment. File an unemployment claim online. Phone 850-245-7105

Broward County Government

The official website for Broward County.  The website will have hurricane information and provide access to other county agencies.

The Emergency Management Agency is responsible for the management of all emergency preparedness program areas within the County. The primary role of the Agency is to develop and implement comprehensive disaster planning, mitigation and response activities within Broward County under the provisions of Florida statutes. Additionally, the Agency develops and maintains emergency plans for all types of natural and man-made hazards, and provides the analysis and recommendations necessary to make decisions that will effectively save lives and protect property in such emergencies.

Free training and presentations on emergency preparedness are available to the general public on request. Call us at 954-831-3900 for more information.

PRIVATE AGENCIES

Provides reports on businesses which will be helpful before making a purchase or signing a contract. Phone: 561-842-1918

A public/private partnership created to help contractors offer services and to help members of the public find necessary services following a disaster.

A non-profit organization which produces a variety of materials and programs that focus on educating consumers and building professionals about the importance of strengthening homes and safeguarding families from disaster. Phone: 1-877-221-SAFE (7233)

National Insurance Crime Bureau

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has compiled a database of vehicles and watercraft affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Phone: 888-241-8270

Sun-Sentinel (Special section on Repairing, Replanting & Rebuilding)

The Sun-Sentinel newspaper is maintaining a website which provides much helpful information on post-hurricane repairing, rebuilding and replanting. The information is updated.