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HURRICANE MILTON RESOURCES

1. EMERGENCY KIT

  • Water

    • 1 gallon per person, per day for at least 3 days.​

  • Non-Perishable Food

    • Enough for at least 3 days.

    • Protein bars, canned goods, and emergency tablets are good options.​​

  • Medications

    • Ensure a 7-day supply of both prescription and over-the-counter medications.​

  • Important Legal Documents

    • Store essential documents (IDs, insurance papers, birth certificates, wills, etc.) in a waterproof, portable container.

    • Make copies and store them digitally if possible.

    • If you upload them to a Cloud service, ensure you have two-factor identification for protection of sensitive information.​

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

A BRIEF GUIDE ON HOW YOU CAN PREPARE FOR HURRICANE MILTON IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
THE INFORMATION HERE IS TO HELP AND MAY CHANGE. VERIFY INFORMATION WITH YOUR COUNTY.

  • First Aid Kit

    • Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other basic supplies.​

  • Communication Tools

    • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, phone chargers, and backup batteries.

    • See below for how to set up satellite communication on your iPhone device.

    • Share your location with loved ones with Apps.

    • Have a whistle or any loud device in case of an SOS!​

  • Other Essentials:

    • Flashlights, multi-tool, cash, hygiene products, and pet supplies if needed.​​

 

2. Secure Your Home and Legal Property

  • Reinforce Your Property

    • Secure doors and windows; remove outdoor items that could become dangerous in high winds.

    • Set up cameras for security and to ensure you have evidence in case you need to file a claim.

  • Review Your Insurance

    • Examine your homeowner’s policy to ensure you have flood and wind damage coverage.

    • Keep your insurance documents accessible.

    • Check your Florida car insurance policy.

3. DURING AND AFTER THE HURRICANE
  • Avoid Hazards

    • Avoid downed power lines, flooded areas, and any damaged structures.

  • Document Damage

    • Take photos and notes of any property damage to facilitate insurance claims or legal proceedings.

    • Use a Cloud service with two-factor identification to store information in case you lose your phone.

  • File Insurance Claims Promptly

    • Contact an attorney that represents your type of claim and have them notify your insurer as soon as possible to initiate the process.

    • Be ready with all necessary documentation.

  • Beware of Scams

    • Ensure any contractors or legal aid you engage with are verified and trustworthy.

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PROTECTING YOUR PETS AND PET-FRIENDLY SHELTERS DURING HURRICANE MILTON

Like many, we love our pets. Our pet companions are also going to be stressed during the storm. Here are some tips to try to navigate Hurricane Milton with your pets.

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1. PET FRIENDLY SHELTERS

  • Research nearby pet-friendly shelters well before a storm hits.

  • Not all emergency shelters accept pets, so plan accordingly.

  • Some shelters that allow pets might require advance registration or have specific requirements, such as crates and up-to-date vaccination records.

2. PET FRIENDLY SHELTER LOCATIONS

 

NOTE - This information is intended to be correct but it is subject to constant changes due to the variability of the storm. Make sure you contact your county, city, and shelter location.

  • OSCEOLA County

    • Gateway High School - 93 Panther Paws Trail, Kissimmee, FL 34744 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Kissimmee Middle School - 2410 Dyer Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34741 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Liberty High School - 4250 Pleasant Hill Rd., Kissimmee, FL 34746 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Harmony High School - 3601 Arthur J. Gallagher Blvd., St. Cloud, FL 34771 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Contact: Osceola County Emergency Management at 407-742-9000

  • Orange County

    • Apopka High School - 555 Martin St., Apopka, FL 32712 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Colonial High School - 6100 Oleander Dr., Orlando, FL 32807 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Lake Nona High School - 12500 Narcoossee Rd., Orlando, FL 32832 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Union Park Middle School - 1844 Westfall Dr., Orlando, FL 32817 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Contact: Orange County Emergency Management at 311 or 407-836-3111

  • Volusia County

    • Mainland High School - 1255 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Galaxy Middle School - 2400 Eustace Ave., Deltona, FL 32725 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Contact: Volusia County Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345

  • SEMINOLE County

    • Bentley Elementary School - 2190 Oregon Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Lyman High School - 865 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, FL 32750 (Pet-Friendly)

    • Contact: Seminole County Emergency Management at 407-665-5102​​

2. PET IDENTIFICATION

  • Ensure your pet is microchipped and that their ID tags are up to date.

  • Write your phone number and an emergency contact number on the ID tag, especially if you plan to stay at a shelter or hotel.

  • You can also add an Apple tag or GPS device onto your pet's collar in the event they get lost or go missing.

  • Take current photos of your pet to make sure you have an accurate and current photo in the event you have to search for your pet.

3. VACCINATION RECORDS

  • Have a copy of your pet’s vaccination records, as many shelters require them for entry. This includes vaccinations for common diseases, such as rabies and distemper, and flea and tick prevention.

  • You may upload to a secure Cloud with two factor identification. 

​ 

4. Emergency Pet Kit

  • Food and Water

    • Pack at least three days’ worth of food and water, and be sure to have any needed feeding supplies, such as bowls or a collapsible water dish.

  • Crate or Carrier

    • Most shelters require pets to be in a secure crate or carrier.

    • Make sure your pet is comfortable with the carrier beforehand to reduce stress during evacuation.

  • Medications and First Aid Supplies

    • Bring any necessary medications and a basic first aid kit for your pet, which might include antiseptic wipes, bandages, and tweezers.

  • Comfort Items

    • Include a blanket, toys, or familiar items to help keep your pet calm in an unfamiliar environment.

    • Anxiety-reducing items, such as calming collars or sprays, can also be helpful.

  • Unique Pets

    • Don't forget your fish or birds!

    • Make sure they have food and water.

    • You may be able to buy "vacation" food for fish. For other pets, you may buy a self-refilling water bowl.​

5. PETS DURING THE STORM

  • Keep Pets Indoors

    • During the storm, keep pets inside and in a safe, secure location.

    • Avoid rooms with windows, as loud noises and flashes from the storm may increase their anxiety.

    • For potty breaks, you might want to try getting sod and placing it in a children's pool so they do not have to go outdoors and have the smell of grass as familiarity. 

  • Use a Leash or Carrier

    • ​​​​​Even indoors, pets can become frightened and attempt to escape if they sense danger.

    • Keep your pet on a leash or in their carrier during the storm, especially when going from one room to another.

  • Provide Reassurance

    • Use white noise or soothing music to help mask the sounds of the storm, which can be particularly helpful for anxious pets

    • Comfort your pets with gentle words, petting, or sitting with them.

  • Create a Safe Space

    • Set up a cozy, safe space for your pet to rest during the storm.

    • This might include a crate lined with blankets or a small area of the home where they feel secure.

SATELLITE FEATURE FOR YOUR PHONE DURING HURRICANE MILTON

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Apple introduced a satellite communication feature with the iPhone 14 lineup, which has continued with the iPhone 15 series, allowing users to connect to emergency services via satellite in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Here’s how the feature works and what it can mean in emergency situations:

1. How the Satellite Feature Works

  • Direct Satellite Communication

    • When you’re in a location without cellular coverage, your iPhone can connect to Globalstar satellites.

    • This allows you to send text-based messages directly to emergency services.

  • Emergency SOS via Satellite

    • In the case of an emergency, the iPhone prompts you with a series of questions to quickly gather crucial information.

    • Based on your responses, the iPhone guides you to point your phone towards the nearest satellite for a successful connection.

  • Slow, But Effective

    • Since this is text-only communication and relies on aligning with a moving satellite, it’s slower than standard messaging.

    • However, it can provide critical access to emergency help when you’re off the grid.

2. Setting Up and Using Satellite SOS

  • Check Compatibility

    • This feature is available on the iPhone 14 and newer models. Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version, as Apple periodically enhances emergency services.

​​

  • Step-by-Step Guide

    • Follow the on-screen prompts to answer questions like “What is the emergency?” and “Who needs help?”
    • The iPhone will help you position it to align with the satellite, maximizing your connection chances.

3. Safety and Emergency Applications​

  • Natural Disasters

    • In situations like hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires, cell networks can be overloaded or down.

4. Non-Emergency Use: “Find My” Location Sharing via Satellite

  • With the iPhone 14 and later, users can share their location with friends and family using the “Find My” app via satellite, even without cell coverage.

EMERGENCY CONTACT AND RESOURCES

 

FEDERAL ContactS

  • FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

    • General Contact: 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362)

    • Services: Disaster assistance and updates on hurricane recovery resources.

  • American Red Cross

    • General Contact: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

    • Services: Shelter, food, and emergency assistance during disasters.

Florida State Contacts

  • Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)

    • General Contact: 850-815-4000

    • Public Information Line: 850-815-4940

    • Services: Hurricane preparedness resources and updates on storm activity in Florida.=

  • Florida Department of Financial Services - Insurance Help Line

    • General Contact: 1-877-693-5236

    • Services: Assistance with insurance claims and inquiries related to hurricane damage.

  • Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

    • Road Closure Information: 511

    • Services: Real-time traffic updates, road closures, and safe evacuation routes.

  • Florida Power & Light (FPL)

    • Report Outages: 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)

    • Services: Outage reporting, restoration updates, and an outage map.

  • Florida Department of Health (DOH)

    • Public Health Emergency Contact: 1-866-779-6121

    • Services: Health guidance, sanitation information, and clinic locations.

  • National Weather Service (NWS)

    • Hurricane Hotline: 305-229-4470

    • Services: Real-time weather alerts, hurricane tracking, and forecasts.

 

County-Specific Contacts

  • Osceola County

    • Emergency Management Contact: 407-742-9000

    • Citizen Information Hotline: 407-742-0000

  • Orange County

    • Emergency Management Contact: Dial 311 or 407-836-3111

    • Special Needs Shelter Registration: 407-836-9319

  • Volusia County

    • Citizens Information Center: 866-345-0345

    • Emergency Management Contact: 386-254-1500 (Daytona Beach); 386-736-5980 (DeLand)

  • Seminole County

    • Emergency Management Contact: 407-665-5102

    • Special Needs Registration: 407-665-5102

Additional Resources

  • 2-1-1 Helpline

    • General Contact: Dial 211

    • Services: Assistance with local services, including food, shelter, and crisis counseling.

  • Salvation Army

    • General Contact: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)

    • Services: Disaster relief, emergency shelter, and support services.

My Commitment

As Your Florida Attorney

​I am Attorney Carolina Nunez and I strive to make sure that our offices offer legal representation in Central Florida that is more personalized and accessible to members of our community. As a first-generation American and attorney, I have had the privilege to not only represent Floridians, but also be able to offer an understanding of social challenges many face. I will commit myself to finding all avenues to justice and appropriate compensation after your crash, estate planning, bankruptcy, or real estate issue. ​ We are here to help.

 

I work alongside a team Florida lawyers having received awards from Lawyers of Distinction, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Elite Lawyers - Civil Litigation, Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, and more -- you can be assured that our team is ready to fight for your rights.

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female-attorney-carolina-nunez-florida

​Getting help from a knowledgeable Florida attorney that provides a personalized approach to legal problems can make a huge difference. Call Attorney Carolina Nunez and her team at The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A. will guide you throughout the process and work to help you with your Florida legal issue.

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