Hurricane season can be unpredictable, but preparation and access to reliable information can make all the difference. This resource page brings together guidance and tools to help Head Start programs and families prepare ahead of time, stay informed as storms develop, and recover safely afterward. 

Hurricane Preparedness Resources  
Plan ahead to protect your staff, families, and facilities before a storm approaches.

• Florida Division of Emergency Management: Statewide guidance to help you prepare for Hurricane Season.
• NOAA Hurricane Preparedness: National readiness guidance for Hurricane Season.
• National Hurricane Center: Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats and outlooks.
  
• Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Recovery: Visit HeadStart.gov for a collection of Head Start specific regulations and guidance, program and family resources, and additional supports
  
• FEMA Hurricane Preparation Guide
• Hurricane Safety Checklist

Stay informed with real-time alerts, forecasts, and local emergency updates to make timely decisions before and during a storm.

Real-Time Storm Tracking

• National Hurricane Center: provides up-to-date storm tracks, intensity forecasts, and official advisories.
• National Weather Service: issues watches, warnings, and local radar updates to help you understand current conditions in your area.

Alerts & Mobile Apps

• FEMA: offers real-time alerts, safety tips, and emergency notifications through its mobile app and text alert system.
• The Weather Channel & AccuWeather provide customizable alerts, hourly forecasts, and live radar for on-the-go updates.

Local Emergency Updates

• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• FEMA Florida Website
• County Emergency Management Websites

Disaster Recovery Resources
Access tools, guidance, and support to help your program, staff, and families recover after a storm.

Head Start Resources

• ACF-IM-HS-19-01: outlines the role programs play in the recovery of impacted communities.
• Tools to assist with assessing damages to your program. Compliments of Region II Head Start Association.

Federal & State Assistance

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA’s role is to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters. Find information about Hurricanes on FEMA’s website HERE, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362) or registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov. 
• National Flood Insurance Program: supports policyholders in filing flood insurance claims. Individuals are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in addition to their insurance claim Get more details about filing a claim HERE, or reach NFIP assistance directly HERE, or by calling 1-877-336-2627.  
• Once starting a claim, FEMA suggests documenting all damage, including photos and videos, recording serial numbers, and securing receipts. FEMA also recommends policyholders should take steps to stop the spread of mold if safe to do so. 
• Policyholders impacted by a Hurricane are encouraged to contact their insurance agents as soon as possible for more information about filing a claim.
• U.S. Housing and Urban Development: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers disaster recovery assistance following Presidentially declared disasters. 

Business Resources

• U.S. Small Business Administration: Following a Presidential Disaster Declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: provides information about preparing, responding to and recovering from a disaster.

Basic Necessity Resources

• Food and Water: Food and water distribution sites may be activated following a storm. As information becomes available, Floridians in need of food and water can find a nearby point of distribution location via Feeding Florida, The Florida Division of Emergency Management, and County Emergency Management Offices.
• Boil Water Notices: Storms can affect public water treatment plants, water lines and private wells—citizens affected by storms must err on the side of caution until their water is tested.
• Florida Department of Health & County Emergency Management Offices will post updates when available.
• Medications: Early prescription refills are permitted during a state-declared State of Emergency. Learn more from the Florida Department of Health HERE.
• Shelter: The American Red Cross (1-800-733-2767), The Florida Division of Emergency Management, and County Emergency Management Offices will share shelter locations and information.

Consumer Protection

• Price Gouging Hotline: allows residents to report excessive pricing on essential goods and services during a declared State of Emergency. If you feel you have been a victim of price gouging, report online HERE, by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM, or by downloading the NO SCAM app.   

Other Resources

• National Disaster Distress Hotline: Health and Human Services and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a National Disaster Distress Hotline (800-985-5990), video conference is available for the deaf or hard of hearing HERE.
  
• Florida 211 connects individuals to local resources, including housing, food, and emotional support services.
• The American Red Cross Disaster Distress Helpline is a national helpline that provides crisis support services for individuals in emotional distress that are impacted by disaster. Connect by phone 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990. 

Helpful Reminders: 

• Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators, or while removing debris.
• Never use generators indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents.  
• Do not drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards. 
• Stay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.
• Notify your Program Specialist of any closures and document all storm-related impacts.

• When you can move about to assess damages at your center safely, please take photos, and document all damage and costs associated with securing your facilities and recovery.