Dearest Undaunted:

Please see the following guide to federal resources available for Florida families and businesses now working to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Hurricane Ian has devastated Southwest Florida, and continues to bring torrential rain and dangerous winds to Central and Northeast Florida today. This was a major storm and it demands a well-coordinated major response and recovery effort. Just as I have for the past week, I am continuing to be in constant communication with our mayors, law enforcement, utilities, business and community leaders and state and local officials to make sure we are getting them the help they need to assist families. As Florida’s U.S. Senator, I will be fighting to make sure that FEMA and the entire federal government is working in total concert with state and local officials so we can get resources deployed quickly. As governor, I oversaw the state’s response to Hurricanes Hermine, Matthew, Irma and Michael. FEMA was always a great partner to us during and after these storms, and I expect that to continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Families across our state are hurting, but help is on the way and Florida will recover.

Sincerely,

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Rick Scott

United States Senator

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See Senator Scott's Hurricane Preparedness Information webpage HERE. Senator Scott urges Floridians impacted by the storm to remain indoors until local officials determine conditions are safe. Stay up-to-date with information from your local Emergency Management officials. Impacted Floridians should not return home until the area is declared to be safe by local officials. Read more from FEMA about returning home HERE.

See the latest on Hurricane Ian from the National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov or @NHC_Atlantic on Twitter, and from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT on Twitter.

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Helpful Resources for Individuals:

Senator Scott’s Office
Floridians in need of assistance with federal resources following the impacts of Hurricane Ian can contact Senator Scott’s office HERE.

FEMA
FEMA’s role is to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters. Find information specific to Hurricane Ian 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  
Following a Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in addition to their flood insurance claim. Policyholders impacted by Hurricane Ian are encouraged to contact their insurance agents as soon as possible for more information about filing a 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.
 
Citizens Property Insurance  
Citizens Property Insurance is urging policyholders to contact them as soon as possible in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Citizens representatives can be reached online HERE, or by calling 1-866-411-2742. Additionally, Citizens is warning policyholders to be wary of unlicensed contractors and “deals that sound too good to be true.” Policyholders are discouraged from signing anything before consulting with an insurance agent. Citizens policyholders can report suspected fraud online HERE, or by calling 1-855-748-9596.  
 
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. Read more from HUD HERE.

Helpful Resources for Businesses:

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  
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s website floridadisaster.biz provides information about preparing, responding to and recovering from a disaster. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Ian recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses.


Additional Resources:

Food and Water: As information becomes available, Floridians in need of food and water can find a nearby point of distribution location HERE. Storms can affect public water treatment plants, water lines and private wells—citizens affected by the storms must err on the side of caution until their water is tested. Learn about Boil Water Notices from the Florida Department of Health HERE.

Medications: Early prescription refills are permitted during a state-declared State of Emergency. Learn more from the Florida Department of Health HERE.

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.

Shelter: Shelters are currently open and available, and locations can be found HERE, or through the American Red Cross HERE, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

Mental Health Resources: You are not alone. If you are in need of support through any disaster, crisis or circumstance, please reach out. Florida 211 connects individuals to local helpline call centers that have crisis counselors for disaster recovery and can provide information on access to local resources such as housing, food and health care. Connect by phone 24/7 by dialing: 2-1-1. Also, 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.

Price Gouging Hotline: Florida Attorney General Moody’s Price Gouging Hotline remains open for Floridians statewide to report instances of severe price increases on essential commodities needed to prepare for the storm. Florida’s price gouging law only applies to commodities and services essential to preparing for, or recovering from, a storm 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.  

Report a Loved One Sheltering in Place: Provide critical information to first responders regarding individuals who have made the decision to shelter in place. This information can help first responders address the needs of impacted households as quickly as possible. Learn more HERE.

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.
The following Twitter accounts, along with your local Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, and County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), may be helpful for up-to-date information and resources on Hurricane Ian.

@SenRickScott
@FEMA
@FEMARegion4
@FLSERT
El Senador Rick Scott publicó la siguiente guía de recursos federales disponibles para familias y empresas de Florida que ahora trabajan para recuperarse de la devastación del Huracán Ian. A medida que la tormenta continúa afectando el Centro y el Noreste de Florida, el Senador Scott está hablando con alcaldes, policías, líderes comunitarios y empresariales, servicios públicos y funcionarios federales para garantizar que las familias y comunidades de Florida obtengan todos los recursos necesarios para responder y recuperarse de Ian.

El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “El Huracán Ian ha devastado el Suroeste de Florida y hoy continúa trayendo lluvias torrenciales y vientos peligrosos al Centro y Noreste de Florida. Esta fue una gran tormenta y exige una respuesta bien coordinada y un gran esfuerzo de recuperación. Tal como lo hice durante la semana pasada, sigo en constante comunicación con nuestros alcaldes, las fuerzas del orden público, los servicios públicos, los líderes comerciales y comunitarios y los funcionarios estatales y locales para asegurarnos de que les estamos brindando la ayuda que necesitan para ayudar a las familias. Como Senador de los EE. UU. de Florida, lucharé para asegurarme de que FEMA y todo el gobierno federal trabajen en conjunto con los funcionarios estatales y locales para que podamos desplegar los recursos rápidamente. Como Gobernador, supervisé la respuesta del estado a los Huracanes Hermine, Matthew, Irma y Michael. FEMA siempre fue un gran aliado para nosotros durante y después de estas tormentas, y espero que continúe así después del Huracán Ian. Las familias de nuestro estado están sufriendo, pero la ayuda está en camino y Florida se recuperará”.

Vea la página web de información de preparación para huracanes del Senador Scott AQUÍ. El Senador Scott insta a los floridanos afectados por la tormenta a permanecer en sus casas hasta que los funcionarios locales determinen que las condiciones son seguras. Manténgase actualizado con la información de los funcionarios locales de Manejo de Emergencias. Los floridanos afectados no deben regresar a sus hogares hasta que los funcionarios locales declaren que el área es segura. Lea más de FEMA sobre el regreso a casa AQUÍ.

Vea lo último sobre Ian del Centro Nacional de Huracanes en nhc.noaa.gov o @NHC_Atlantic en Twitter, y de la División de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERTen Twitter.

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Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Urge Biden to Approve Florida's Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration Request Ahead of Ian

On Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Biden in support of Florida’s request for a federal pre-landfall disaster declaration in anticipation of Ian.

Read the full letter HERE or below. Lea en español AQUÍ.

The Honorable Joe Biden
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Biden:

We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration due to Tropical Storm Ian, which is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane and impact Florida in the coming days.

Ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians, property, and our communities. As such, we request that you promptly approve Governor DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

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Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Lead Colleagues Urging Biden to Approve Hurricane Ian Major Disaster Declaration

On Thursday, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, along with all members of the Florida Congressional Delegation, sent a letter to President Biden in support of Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration due to Hurricane Ian.

Senator Scott urges Floridians impacted by the storm to remain indoors until local officials determine conditions are safe. See the latest on Ian from the National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov or @NHC_Atlantic on Twitter, and from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT on Twitter.

Read the full letter HERE or below. Lea en español AQUÍ.

September 28, 2022
President Joe Biden
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500


Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration due to Hurricane Ian, which is currently causing catastrophic conditions as a Category 4 major hurricane. Hurricane Ian’s historic size, sustained winds and dangerously slow pace, which stand to affect virtually the entire state, will produce significant flooding, massive power outages and widespread damage throughout Florida. As such, we request that you promptly approve Governor DeSantis’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration for all of Florida’s 67 counties.

This historic hurricane will continue to impact the state for some time, and the full extent of damage will not be known for days. However, approving this declaration request will allow Floridians to be better prepared for the recovery phase. As such, we urge you to approve the State of Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which will provide the assistance necessary for our constituents to recover and rebuild. Floridians are incredibly resilient, and with cooperation at all levels of government, we will rebuild stronger than ever. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.