Disasters & the Impact to Life & Business

National and Local Resources (Updated 10/13/24)

Thankfully I and my family are okay following this awful hurricane Helene. So many were not okay or their homes were flooded, homes were destroyed and some also lost their lives.

In Manatee & Sarasota counties, there was a great deal of flooding and in areas that normally do not flood. Many lost their homes and possessions.

I’ve been silent on my blog because I am not sure what to do or what to write. How do I encourage and support individuals, families, businesses who have lost so much?

So I will do what I can through writing. What I am doing is sharing websites and ideas to help. I will share national resources and some resources for FL. Maybe others could share resources in their own states? Feel free to add to this list through sending me an email.¹

National Resources

• Check out resources and support through FEMA. Nationally, FEMA has listed areas where a disaster was declared along with information about updates and aid. https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

• Food assistance: For emergency food assistance: https://www.usa.gov/emergency-food-assistance Also check out your local food banks for help.

• Housing assistance: FEMA has an Individuals and Households Program for uninsured or underinsured persons. https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program

• IRS Disaster Relief for Small Business: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses

• Mental health support following a disaster: https://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/disaster-survivors

• Disaster Loans for individuals and businesses: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

• Call 2-1-1: 2-1-1 operators can help guide you to the appropriate services and resources. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/dial-211-essential-community-services

• Disaster Legal Services: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4464

For Florida

• Business Continuation Support in Hillsborough County. https://hcfl.gov/businesses/small-business-support/resources-and-training/business-continuation

• Dealing with the aftermath: This article by Tampa.gov shares excellent resources including tips to avoid being scammed, emergency loans for business, dealing with damage, insurance and more. https://www.tampa.gov/emergency-management/hurricane-information

• FL Division of Emergency Management: Gabrielle Juliano-Villani was on my show late last year. She just posted this resource on her Facebook page: https://www.floridadisaster.org/dem/recovery/

  Hurricane Milton: https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/Hurricanemilton/

  Hurricane Helene: https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/storm-updates/

  Hurricane Debby: https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/hurricane-debby-updates/

• Food Banks: Here is the website for Manatee & Sarasota counties. https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/food-bank-of-manatee/food-pantries/

• Manatee County Recovery Resources: https://extreme-weather-dashboard-manateegis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/5f2fb9055e624647ab9333f9de6ad845

• Points of Distribution in Manatee County/Sarasota County FL. https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/09/29/points-distribution-sarasota-manatee-counties/

• Salvation Army of Manatee County is doing a lot! They are offering food, drinks and supplies. Check out this Facebook post from them. https://www.facebook.com/share/TyfnhMtVM1tYGYKF/

Interested in Donating or Volunteering?

Check out volunteer organizations like the Red Cross, https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/disaster-volunteer.html

Or check out your local volunteer opportunities.

https://www.volunteerflorida.org/volunteer-services/

https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/09/29/hurricane-helene-donate-volunteer-help/

Do you know of other resources? Feel free to add them to this article in the comments or email me and I can update the article.

1. drwilley@attainablevision.net