Relief efforts are under way for those impacted by Hurricane Michael. Here is some ways that you can help or if you are trying to reach family or friends.

Donations:
To make a contribution, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10. The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. The fund is administered by the Volunteer Florida Foundation. Funds will support disaster relief organizations active in responding to and recovering from Hurricane Michael. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, 501(c)(3) charitable organization and are tax deductible.

Volunteering
Volunteer Florida (www.volunteerflorida.org) is the state’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters. In partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Volunteer Florida:
• Coordinates with Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and local and state government emergency management agencies to meet volunteer and donation needs
• Provides staffing during activation of the State Emergency Operations Center
• Provides training and presentations on the roles of government and nongovernmental organizations in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation
• Provides fiscal and program management for federal, state, and privately funded programs
• Provide training for government, non-government, and private sector organizations on disaster volunteer and donations management
• Mobilize and deploy resources to assist communities responding to and recovering from disaster
• Operate the ESF (Emergency Service Function) 15 and deploy trained Volunteer Florida staff to assist the Florida Division of Emergency Management if necessary
• Operate the Volunteer and Donations Hotline and the Florida Donations Portal

Family Reunification
Due to issues with communication lines throughout the panhandle, there has been an increase in the number of calls for individuals missing, well-being checks, and concerns. The State has established a webpage for individuals to report these concerns. The State EOC will route these inquiries to the appropriate local agency for response. Go to Hurricane Michael Life Safety Reports. (https://fdoh.readyop.com/fs/4cav/bcda)
After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind.

American Red Cross Safe and Well (https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php)
Register Yourself as “Safe and Well”
Click on the “List Myself as Safe and Well” button to register yourself on the site.

Search for Loved Ones
Concerned family and friends can search the list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well” by clicking on the “Search Registrants” button. The results of a successful search will display a loved one’s first name, last name and a brief message.

Curfews that are currently in effect:
Bay County - Full last updated: 10/11/2018 01:39pm
A Curfew will be enacted tonight from 2000 to 0700

Calhoun County - Full last updated: 10/14/2018 07:04pm
Dusk to Dawn Curfew Countywide

Franklin County - Limited last updated: 10/14/2018 07:06 PM Sunset to Sunrise
Gadsden County - Full last updated: 10/14/2018 01:59 PM The curfew for Gadsden County is now from 10:00pm tp 6:00am

Gulf County - Full last updated: 10/14/2018 07:08 PM
Remains in effect for the entire County from sunset to sunrise

Jackson County - Limited last updated: 09/06/2018 09:26 AM Dusk to Dawn through Tuesday Oct 22 2018

Liberty County - Full last updated: 10/08/2018 11:03 AM

ONLY ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL TO BE ON ROAD WAYS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Statewide Private Sector Re-Entry Program
If a storm impacts Florida this year, one of our primary goals will be the rapid restoration of local businesses that provide vital goods and services. Local elected officials and Law Enforcement Officers will work together to determine when an area is safe enough for individuals to return. At that point, individuals and businesses seeking to provide essential commodities and services to impacted areas will be allowed reentry by possessing and presenting to local officials:
• A valid government-issued ID, such as a Driver’s License or passport;
• Proof of Employment, such as Employer credentials or a letter on employer letterhead; and
• A Demonstrated Need to enter the area, such as a work order, inventory list, or employer authorization. Local officials know their communities and are well suited to facilitate a safe and timely reentry process.
We look forward to working with local officials to ensure the safe and timely movement of necessary resources throughout the state.

Disasters affect all members of the community and we must be prepared to work together to meet the needs of all citizens during an emergency.