Disaster Relief & Preparedness
← Back to Resource DirectoryAmerican Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides vital emergency assistance, disaster relief, and health and safety training across South Florida. They are famously known for their immediate response to house fires and hurricanes, providing victims with shelter, food, and mental health support. They also serve as a critical link for military families, facilitating emergency communications (Hero Care) between service members and their loved ones during crises.
Broward: 954-797-3800
Miami-Dade: 305-644-1200
Website: redcross.org/southflorida
Broward County Vulnerable Population Registry
This registry is for residents who plan to stay home during an emergency but are at risk due to disability, frailty, or health issues. It allows municipal emergency workers to better plan their response and check on registered individuals following a storm or recovery effort. While registration does not guarantee immediate assistance, it provides local responders with critical location data to prioritize wellness checks.
Phone: 954-831-4000
Website: broward.org/atrisk
CPR, AED & First Aid Training & Certification
Nationally recognized certification courses are available for individuals, healthcare professionals, and workplaces. Training covers adult and pediatric CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, and basic first aid for injuries and medical emergencies. Programs typically offer flexible learning options, including fully in-person classes or blended formats that combine online coursework with an in-person skills assessment.
Find American Red Cross Classes
Find American Heart Association Classes
Disaster Updates, Resources & Zones
The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) and local county hotlines are activated during emergencies (such as hurricanes) to provide real-time updates on evacuations, shelters, and road closures.
Statewide Hotline : 1-800-342-3557
Broward Hotline: 954-831-4000
Miami-Dade Hotline: 305-468-5900
State Portal: FloridaDisaster.org
Know Your Zone:
Florida uses evacuation zones (A–F) based on storm surge risk. Check your zone ahead of time and evacuate immediately when ordered. Learn more here.
Open Shelters List:
Live updates here on general population, pet-friendly, and risk shelters during an active storm.
Special Needs Registry:
Pre-register here if you require specialized transportation or power-dependent medical equipment during an evacuation.
Electrical Emergencies & Downed Power Lines
Immediate emergency contacts for reporting downed power lines, sparking electrical equipment, or dangerous outages. Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed line and never touch a person or object in contact with a line.
Life-Threatening Emergency: Dial 911 immediately.
Florida Power & Light
1-800-468-8243
FPL Outage Map & Status Tracker
FEMA Disaster Assistance
FEMA provides federal support to individuals and business owners who have sustained losses in a presidentially declared disaster area. Assistance includes grants for temporary housing, essential home repairs, and personal property replacement. For long-term recovery, FEMA coordinates with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes to cover uninsured losses and operating expenses.
Phone: 1-800-621-3362
Website: DisasterAssistance.gov
Fish Kill Hotline
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish Kill Hotline allows the public to report incidents where large numbers of fish are found dead or in distress in Florida waterways. Reports help FWC investigate potential causes such as low oxygen levels, pollution, disease, or harmful algal blooms. This information supports water quality monitoring and helps protect aquatic ecosystems across the state.
Phone: 1-800-636-0511
Web: MyFWC.com/ReportFishKill
Florida Algal Bloom Reporting Hotline
Central reporting system for blue-green algae blooms in Florida's freshwater and estuarine systems. Managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to coordinate sampling and public health alerts.
Hotline: 1-855-305-3903
Website: ReportAlgalBloom.com
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the state agency responsible for protecting Florida’s natural resources, including air, water, and land. It oversees environmental regulation and enforcement, manages state parks, and works to prevent and respond to pollution and environmental damage. FDEP also coordinates cleanup efforts, issues permits, and promotes conservation and sustainable use of Florida’s environment.
Phone: 561-681-6600
Emergencies: 911, then DEP at 1-800-320-0519
Website: floridadep.gov
Gas Leak Emergency Reporting
Immediate emergency contacts for reporting the smell of natural gas (rotten eggs), hissing sounds near gas lines, or damaged gas pipes. If you suspect a leak, evacuate the area immediately on foot and do not use cell phones or light switches until you are a safe distance away.
Life-Threatening Emergency: Dial 911 immediately.
TECO Peoples Gas: 1-877-832-6747
Florida Public Utilities: 1-800-427-7712
Florida City Gas: 1-888-352-5325
Note: Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself or turn off gas valves.
Maritime Emergencies & Boating Safety
Contact these resources for life-threatening distress, search and rescue, boating accidents, unsafe vessel operation, or hazardous conditions on the water.
Marine Distress (Radio):
VHF Channel 16 (international distress, safety, and calling frequency).
Boating Violations/Accidents:
Call 1-888-404-3922 to reach the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Distress Procedure: Clearly state "MAYDAY" three times, followed by your vessel name, exact location (GPS coordinates or landmarks), nature of distress, and number of people on board.
Miami-Dade County Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program
This program is specifically for residents who need assistance with evacuation or specialized sheltering during a disaster. It is designed for individuals who are bedbound, depend on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment, or have no other means of transportation to a shelter. Registered participants receive priority for specialized transportation and placement in a Special Needs Shelter equipped to handle their medical requirements.
Phone: 305-513-7700
Website: miamidade.gov/eeap
Price Gouging Hotline
The Florida Price Gouging Hotline allows residents to report excessive price increases on essential goods and services during a declared state of emergency, such as after hurricanes or other disasters. The Attorney General’s Office investigates complaints involving items like food, fuel, water, lodging, and emergency supplies to help prevent unfair pricing during crises. Reports can also be submitted online to support enforcement and consumer protection efforts.
Phone: 1-866-966-7226
Website: myfloridalegal.com
Wildlife Alert Hotline
The Wildlife Alert Hotline is a 24 hour reporting line for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that allows the public to report wildlife violations, injured or nuisance wildlife, boating accidents, and fish and game law concerns. It also serves as a way to report emergencies involving wildlife or dangerous situations in natural areas. Calls are routed to officers who can respond, investigate, or provide guidance, helping protect Florida’s wildlife, natural resources, and public safety.
Hotline: 1-888-404-3922
Alligators: 1-866-392-4286
Text Tips: Text "FWC" to 847411
Online: MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert