Hurricane Information

Prepare, Recover, and Rebuild After the Storm

Public safety officials are in the beginning stages of damage assessment. To help ensure the safety of residents and our first responders, please DO NOT RETURN HOME UNTIL DEEMED SAFE TO DO SO.

RETURNING HOME

• If you do not have a re-entry hangtag and need to return after the evacuation, please have your ID and proof of residency or business ownership ready. This ensures a safe and orderly return, while protecting unattended properties from potential looting.
• Check for downed power lines/trees before entering your home.
• Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and masks to avoid exposure to contaminants or mold.
• Avoid walking, driving, or playing in floodwaters.
• Have a professional inspect your gas/electrical systems before turning them back on.
• Check on your neighbors that may be in need of extra home.

DOCUMENTING DAMAGE

• Inspect your property & take photos/videos of any damage.
• Create a list of everything that was damaged or destroyed.
• Complete the Resident Damage Self Reporting Form at tampa.gov/selfreport.
• Protect your home from further damage, if you can (e.g., covering holes in your roof with a tarp).

FILING A CLAIM

• Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process.
• Submit your damage photos/videos, along with your list of damaged items.
• Keep receipts for anything you buy to help with cleanup & recovery.

CLEANING UP

• Use a pump to remove water from your home as soon as it’s safe.
• Open windows & use fans, dehumidifiers, and wet/dry vacs to speed up drying.
• Remove & discard anything soaked by floodwater as soon as you can (carpet, mattresses, furniture, etc.).
• Disinfect walls, floors & other surfaces to prevent mold.
• If you already have mold, hire a professional to remove it.
• Place debris curbside in three separate piles (vegetive storm debris, household debris, and construction debris).
• Visit tampa.gov/solid-waste to check for details on the debris pick up schedule.

REPAIRING & REBUILDING

• Have a professional inspect your foundation, walls, & roof before making repairs.
• Hire a licensed contractor-don’t fall victim to scams.
• Use myfloridalicense.com to verify licenses & report unlicensed activity.

CARING FOR YOURSELF AND FAMILY

• Sign up for AlertTampa to stay up to date on resources for food, water, shelter, or FEMA assistance, by texting TAMPAREADY to 888-777 (TAMPALISTA to 888-777 for Spanish).
• If you’re experiencing emotional distress, call the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) for 24/7 support: 1-800-985-5990.
• Visit floridahealth.gov for mental health resources provided by the Florida Department of Health.

Evacuation Orders Issued for Zones A & B

Hillsborough County has issued mandatory Evacuation Orders for Evacuation Zones A & B and for all those in mobile homes: http://HCFL.gov/StaySafe

Regular Solid Waste Collection and Storm Debris Collection

See Solid Waste updates at tampa.gov/solid-waste.

Hillsborough County Shelters

Hillsborough County has opened Emergency Evacuation Shelters. These shelters are intended to provide immediate protection and save the lives of those in the path of a catastrophic and deadly storm.

City of Tampa Garages

All cars, including electric vehicles, can park for FREE at any city garage until at least Friday, October 11 at 12pm. Note: EVs must park on the third level or higher.

Tampa’s Emergency Hotline

The Tampa’s Emergency Hotline has been reactivated to answer residents’ questions regarding Hurricane-related questions. Call 1 (833) TPA-INFO(872-4636). Operating hours are from 10 am - 10 pm on October 9th.

FEMA Assistance Available

FEMA assistance now available to City of Tampa residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene - financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA app or 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Hillsborough County. Residents can receive one-on-one help from FEMA representatives, where they can ask questions, get help with applying for assistance, etc.

Center Location: Hillsborough Community College - The Regent 6437 Watson Rd. Riverview, FL 33578 Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Sunday

FEMA Inspecting Homes After Hurricane Helene

After Floridians apply for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Helene, a home inspection may be necessary to help determine whether the home is safe, sanitary and livable. Inspectors do not make decisions regarding eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is part of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance. Inspectors will make an appointment with the applicant before coming. They will already have the applicant’s FEMA application number. They carry photo identification. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed or recorded. Inspectors will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free.

Be Alert to Fraud After Hurricane Milton. FEMA personnel working in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene carry official photo identification. FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department or contact Florida’s Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (myfloridalegal.com).

FEMA’s 50% Rule

Before you perform repairs to your flood-damaged home, please note that if your property is located in a flood hazard area (Flood Zone AE, Coastal A, and VE)*, you may be required (by FEMA and State of Florida requirements incorporated and applied by the City of Tampa) to rebuild to Florida Building Code flood-resistant construction standards. This determination/requirement is based on whether the required improvements/repairs are deemed a “substantial improvement” or “repairs of substantial damage,” which generally means that the improvements/repairs exceed 50% of the structure’s depreciated value pre-flood damage as listed on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s listing for your property.

For answers to questions about whether your improvements/repairs are “substantial”, please contact the City’s Construction Services Division at: 813-274-3100, Option 1.

To learn more about your property’s location and relevant flood information please visit https://tampafl.withforerunner.com/properties

PLEASE NOTE: You should also contact your insurance carrier(s) and mortgage lender before making improvements/repairs, as they may have other applicable requirements.

Beware of Contractor Scams

After a disaster, qualified contractors are usually in high demand. Scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may take advantage of Floridians in need of expert service.

If you have been approached to have work done on or at your home, you can check if that individual is licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or by going to myfloridalicense.com.

If property is damaged from the storm, the Florida Attorney General’s Office offers these tips when hiring a contractor:

• Insurance evaluation - Ensure repair work will be covered under your insurance policy. Have an insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs.
• Estimates – Obtain at least three written, itemized estimates on bids or repairs
• Bogus offers - Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job
• Do your research – To check on a company’s reputation, look for references online or ask a friend. Also check to see if a company is properly licensed, insured, and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation or by calling the Florida Attorney General’s Office at (866) 9NO-SCAM.
• Bonded - Make sure a contractor is bonded and verified with a bonding agency Read the fine print – Although it may be daunting, read the entire contract before signing to ensure it includes the required buyer’s right to cancel language. Understand penalties that may be imposed for cancellation.
• Liens - Insist on releases of any liens that could be placed on the property from all subcontractors prior to making final payments. Homeowners may unknowingly have liens placed against their properties by suppliers or subcontractors who have not been paid by the contractor. If the contractor fails to pay them, the liens will remain on the title.
• Deposits and final payment - Never pay the full amount of a repair expense upfront and be wary before providing large deposits. Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until satisfied with the work performed.

Safety Tips for After a Flood

• Return home only when officials have declared the area safe. Use caution before entering your home: look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks and other damage.
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Report them to the power company.
• If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
• Cleaning products, paint, batteries and fuel containers have the potential to be hazardous. Please check with local authorities for assistance with disposal.
• Keep an eye out for animals such as snakes, possums and raccoons that may have moved into your evacuated home, as they often look for relief from floodwaters.
• If you drive an electric vehicle and there are floodwaters around your home, do not drive through it. If water gets into the battery, it could potentially cause a fire.

Dealing with Damage in your home

• As soon as it’s safe to return home, contact your insurance agent or company to file a claim. Photograph and list all damaged items including their age and value.
• Insurance adjusters will need evidence of damage to prepare an estimate, so take photos of water in your house, including structural, personal property and floodwater levels. You can also record serial numbers of large appliances and collect receipts for damaged items.

Prepare a Proof of Loss

• Your insurance adjuster will help you prepare a Proof of Loss, which is a sworn statement of the amount you’re claiming. You’ll need to file this with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood.
• You can take measures to mitigate further damage, such as tarping, but don’t repair damage before your adjuster visits.

Resident Damage Self Report Form

Residents can self-report damages to help prioritize the City of Tampa’s damage assessment operations using the Resident Damage Self Reporting Form. If it is an emergency situation residents should always call 9-1-1, but for other non-life-threatening damages, residents can enter the information in the form. Go to tampa.gov/SelfReport to access the form.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is now open! Loans up to $50,000 are now available to businesses across Hillsborough County that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to bridge the gap between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources. Visit floridacommerce.my.site.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines, and required documentation, and complete an application by the Nov. 24, 2024, deadline. More information is available by calling (833) 832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans

U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene. There are three types:

• Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

Community Partners

The City of Tampa recommends the following community organizations that are providing resources to those in need:

• Salvation Army
• American Red Cross
• Metropolitan Ministries
• United Way Suncoast 
• Feeding Tampa Bay
• Bay Area Legal Services
• Samaritan’s Purse

Food Resources

Feeding Tampa Bay is operational and distributing food from their Causeway Center.

Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline

Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline. Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it at MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.

Sandbag Reuse Guidance

If sandbags did NOT come in contact with floodwaters, sandbags can be reused for future preparedness. Rained on sandbags can sun-dried and stored in a dry location until time to reuse. Clean sand can also be spread in gardens or on lawns, and empty bags can be stored or disposed of.

If sandbags have come in contact with floodwaters, sandbags should not be reused due to potential contamination. To dispose of sandbags, residents should bring them to the City of Tampa McKay Bay Scale House (114 S 34th Street). Residents should NOT place sand bags in any City-issued solid waste container.