This toolkit provides multimedia resources quickly available for you to be able to share messaging to your community after Hurricane Milton.

After the Storm Web Resources

Hurricane Milton disaster declaration page on FEMA.gov in English and in Spanish.

After the Storm Graphics, Social Copy & Sample Text

Below you will find some messaging examples of information that can be shared with the public in the first 7 days after a disaster. Check on your Neighbor | Download the Graphic in Multiple Languages.

Social Media Sample Text Option 1
With power outages and lack of air conditioning due to Hurricane Milton, be sure to check on your neighbors— especially those who may need extra help.

Social Media Sample Text Option 2
Was your area affected by Hurricane Milton? If safe, check on your neighbors, particularly those who may need extra support.

Social Media Sample Text Option 3
− Older adults & people who need life-sustaining medical equipment or assistance devices may need additional support if they lost power.

Family Reunification

Sample Text | View Sample Text

To report a missing child during a disaster, contact the National Emergency Child Locater Center at 1-800-843- 5678. Be sure to include if the missing child has a disability or an access or functional need. If you encounter a child separated from their parents or legal caregivers, first contact the local police. In addition, individuals can use the Unaccompanied Minors Registry to enter basic information for the child and include a recent photo. Family and friends of people in the disaster-affected areas are urged to check social network sites for information about your loved ones. The American Red Cross Safe and Well program is available to let family members know they are safe or looking for loved ones.

Debris Removal Guidelines

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Social Media Sample Text Option 1
If Hurricane Milton caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.

• Take photos before you begin cleaning up.
  
• Make a list of damaged or lost items & gather receipts. Doing this helps speed up the process with insurance & other assistance programs.

Social Media Sample Text Option2
If you were affected by Hurricane Milton and you are ready to begin the clean-up process, remember:

• Wear long pants, goggles, gloves & sturdy shoes.
• Stay off damaged structures.
• Be aware that snakes or animals could be present

Power Outages

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If Hurricane Milton knocked out your power, stay safe:

• Keep freezers and fridges closed.
• Switch off electronics to avoid damage from surges.
• Place generators outside, at least 20 ft. away from the house.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Learn More: ready.gov/power-outages.

Longer Format Sample Text

When the power comes back on, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate problems that could occur if there's a sharp increase in demand.

• When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more or that has unusual odor, color or texture. If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated unless the drug’s label says otherwise.

How to help

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Social Media Sample Text Option 1
Are you looking for ways to help survivors affected by Hurricane Milton? The @NationalVOAD is a great place to find trusted organizations that are helping the various communities. The best way to help after a disaster is through cash donations. Check out: nvoad.org

Social Media Sample Text Option 2
When disasters like Hurricane Milton strike, our voluntary & faith-based partners are always quick to offer support. Addressing needs like hot meals, debris removal & distributing supplies are some of the many ways these agencies are helping survivors on the ground.

Longer Format Sample Text
Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, when possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.

• Don’t self-deploy to disaster areas. Trusted organizations in the affected areas know where volunteers are needed. Work with an established organization to make sure you have the appropriate safety, training and skills needed to respond.
• FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) build relationships and coordinate efforts with voluntary, faith-based and community organizations active in disasters.

Beware of Fraud & Scams

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Sample Text
Beware of fraud and scams. After a disaster there are often scams and rumors that target survivors. Look to official local, state and federal sources for credible information. Survivors should never trust someone claiming to be a disaster assistance employee asking for money. Local and federal disaster assistance workers do not solicit or accept money.

Crisis Counseling

Social Media Sample Text Option 1

• It's normal to feel anxiety after a hurricane like Milton. Visit disasterdistress.samhsa.gov for help.
• Difficulty sleeping
• Disorientation, confusion, loss of appetite
• Feelings of hopelessness or depression

Social Media Sample Text Option 2

If you're struggling after Hurricane Milton, the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline provides support 24/7. Trained crisis counselors are ready to help in English, Spanish, or 1-800-985-5990, disasterdistress.samhsa.gov

• To access emotional support for this traumatic event, you can call or text the free, confidential Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline and connect with trained crisis counselors 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use American Sign Language (ASL), use your mobile device to call 1- 800-985-5990 or click on “ASL Now” at disasterdistress.samhsa.gov to contact an ASL fluent crisis worker.