At DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A., we’re committed to helping our community stay resilient through every hurricane season. Our hurricane preparedness page provides a range of resources to support you before, during, and after the storm. From essential preparation guides and legal planning advice to connections with local non-profits offering support, we’re here to help you safeguard what matters most. Our team keeps these resources updated to ensure you have the latest information.
Pre-Storm: Preparation Resources
Get ready for the next storm:
- Safe Storage of Your Estate Planning Documents
With the after-effects of Hurricanes Irma, Ian, and now Helene and Milton, safe estate planning document storage should be a concern for many. When you have to evacuate, what is most important to bring? Do you need your original documents? What if your originals were lost or destroyed during a natural disaster? To get answers to these common questions and concerns, see attorney Rep DeLoach's blog post on safe storage of estate planning documents. - View the 2024 Hurricane Guide from the Pinellas County Government with valuable information and preparation tips. Below are the links in English, Spanish, & Vietnamese:
- NOAA's National Hurricane Center: excellent resource for storm preparedness https://www.ready.gov/
hurricanes - Pinellas County Emergency Management: get details regarding evacuation zones, shelter options, etc. http://www.pinellascounty.org/
emergency/ - Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Adults Age 50+
English | Spanish - SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Owner Emergency Resources: Hurricane Preparedness for Pets
- Know your zone: https://kyz.pinellas.gov/
- Pinellas County: sandbag locations http://www.pinellascounty.org/
emergency/sandbags.htm - Consider whether you need to use the Florida Special Needs Registry: First responders use the Special Needs Registry as a valuable reference when planning where to place special needs shelters in advance of hurricanes and other emergencies. They also use the registry to check on Floridians in the aftermath of a storm. If you need to register, please visit the Florida Special Needs Registry website, select your county of residence and follow the instructions to register. There is also important information and local resources you may want to review as you register. If your loved one is living with dementia or is otherwise unable to register, you can register for them as their caregiver. Regardless of where you live in Florida, you only need to register once. Register yourself or a loved one now.
During the Storm: Communications
Be sure to visit our Facebook page for the latest information and updates on business hours and office closures.
In the event our office closes due to a hurricane, we remain available to assist you. Please reach out through the contact form on our website. While our team will be monitoring messages closely, response times may be delayed as our staff prioritizes their own safety during the storm. Rest assured, we’ll respond as promptly as possible. Stay safe, and know we're here to support you through the storm.
Post-Storm: Recovery Resources
We Are Here to Help
Our experienced personal injury, litigation, and real estate attorneys and their staff are standing by if you ever need help with any of the following:
- downed trees or fences
- water intrusion
- resolving property damage disputes with insurance companies
- or other related issues
Property Damage Claims
When your property suffers hurricane damage, navigating the claims process with your insurance company can feel overwhelming. It's important to take immediate steps to document the damage, communicate effectively with your insurer, and know your options if you're met with delays or low offers. This FAQ will guide you through the essential steps to protect your interests and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you're not satisfied with your insurance company’s response, our team is here to help, offering legal support and contingency fee arrangements to make the process easier for you.
- Duke Energy: power updates www.duke-energy.com/outages
- FEMA: Temporary Shelter Assistance (hotel/motel) Citizens must register with FEMA to receive. Eligible survivors can find the list of TSA-approved hotels on www.disasterassistance.gov, and click on the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program – Participating Hotel List link. If you don’t have access to internet, you may also call the FEMA Helpline (1-800-621-3362) for assistance with locating one.
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Cooling stations are open in areas where residents remain without power following Hurricane Helene. These stations will provide a place for residents to cool off and charge their phones. These locations can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov.
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Make sure contractors you hire are licensed - unlicensed or fraudulent contractors often target desperate homeowners in the aftermath of hurricanes. Learn more at pinellas.gov/choosing-a-contractor and verify contractors are licensed at contractorsearch.pcclb.com.
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- Pinellas County: For additional information on hiring contractors, visit www.pcclb.com Remember; do not pay for work until it is fully completed to your satisfaction. For additional consumer protections available to you, visit: www.pinellascounty.org/
consumer
Community Support
Whether you're seeking assistance, are interested in volunteering, or would like to provide financial support, the following resources are available to help aid recovery efforts in our community:
- The Red Cross: help people affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a financial donation. People can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation.
- The Florida Disaster Fund: distributes funds to service organizations that will serve individuals within their communities with disaster response and recovery. To donate, volunteer or get more information visit https://www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/
- Feeding Tampa Bay: to find events and food pantries near you visit https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood
- Local donation drop offs:
For additional ways to help, please see this Tampa Bay Times article.
Additional Resources in Tampa Bay
- Pinellas County Resources
- Hillsborough County Resources
- Pasco County Resources
- Manatee County Resources
- Sarasota County Resources
- FEMA Application
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance