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Free Help Line for Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Irma  

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Optum, is a leading health and behavioral health services company that offers free 

emotional supports.

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Toll-free number: 1-866-342-6892, open 24/7.

 

The service is free of charge and open to anyone. Trained Optum mental health specialists will help people manage their stress and anxiety as they are dealing and coping with day-to-day hurdles. Callers may be referred to community resources, including financial and legal.

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In addition, emotional support resources and 

information are available online at: 

www.liveandworkwell.com. 

W&A's Update on Hurricane Irma

 

Right now Irma is on a northwest track to Cuba and the Bahamas and a portion of Haiti.  On late Saturday it's expected to make that northward turn at which point the latest track puts it right in the middle of the State of Florida. South and Central Florida will be on watch. This came from what is said it's bigger than Hurricane Andrew and it's coming right up the coast. 

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All counties schools will be closed until further notice. Brevard County starting at 3:00 p.m. is a mandatory evacuation for the Barrier Islands, Merritt Island and low line areas. 

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At Orlando International Airport all operations will be shut down (All FLIGHTS ARE SUSPENDED) on Saturday ahead of hurricane Irma. 

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Shelters are starting to open for those that need to evacuate, to find the nearest shelter to you visit mynews13.com for Central Florida. Make sure to pack special food, bedding, earplugs, clothing, medication, toiletry items, and disaster supplies. 

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Sandbag locations are open all over Central Florida from (Orlando) Camping World Stadium 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Marion 8:00 a.m. two dark two locations in Ocala today and tomorrow, Volusia County 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow in unincorporated areas. Lake county is out of bags at all five location, they do have sand and they're asking residents to bring their own bags. I'll continue to post more information as I receive it. 

 

Again, this is a hurricane we really need to take serious protect for our families and ourselves. If you haven't already, please do so now.

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W&A South and Central Florida Team will continue to keep you informed. Don’t forget to share these very important information with your friends and loved ones.  

 

—Michelle Allman

PR/ Communication Director (Central FL area)

W&A

 Advisory

Hurricane Preparedness

 

  1. Start running your icemakers now and bagging the ice in freezer bags. Fill as much space in between your freezer items as you can.

  2. Freeze regular tap water for pets, cleaning or drinking in Tupperware-type containers. REMEMBER to leave a small bit of space between the top of the water & the lids so the ice expands but doesn't crack the container.

  3. Start using up your perishables to make more room for ice in the freezer.

  4. Fill up all vehicles & check tires & oil.

  5. Cash from ATM, at least enough to get you through tolls and gas out of town. Call your bank if you plan on leaving the state so they don't freeze your card for out-of-area "suspicious" transactions.

  6. All important docs screenshot & send to your email. Take originals in sealed bags or plastic bins.

  7. Pet & livestock food & supplies. Vet records in case you need to shelter then at a storm safe facility.

  8. Evacuation plans then share with family members so they know where you're headed.

  9. Consider putting heirlooms & photos in plastic bins in a high place, second floor, or safe room if you don't plan on taking them with you.

  10. SECURE ALL FIREARMS & AMMUNITION PROPERLY.

  11. Old rags & beach towels on your windowsills. Even with the best windows & shutters, water seeping from the wind pressure happens. A few damp towels is better than soaked drywall or floors!

  12. Shutter windows and doors and bring everything outside into your garage or house NOW. Do not wait until the day before. Better to get done early and relax than wait until it’s too late, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE MANDATORY PERSONNEL (hospital employee or first responder).

  13. If you don't already have your hurricane supplies, you might want to get them now. Shelves are already empty in most places.

  14. Cell phone charger for your vehicle, in case of power outage, or evacuation.

 

NOTE: Our office will be closed on Thursday September 7th and Friday September 8th.  We will keep you abreast on when we will reopen.

 

Keep an eye on the storm, visit: http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/05/us/hurricane-irma-puerto-rico-florida/index.html

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—Roseflore Toussaint

Community Relations Director

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Broward County Call Center

 

311 or 954-831-4000

954-831-3940 (TTY for hearing impaired)

 

Broward County Call Center provides a single point of contact for the services and programs offered by the more than 60 agencies comprising Broward County government. For emergencies, call 911.

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The Call Center handles calls in any language and has English, Spanish and Creole speaking specialists on staff. The Call Center is open Monday-Friday, 8:30AM to 5PM.Under emergency conditions the Call Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

The Call Center also takes calls and provides assistance with the homeless. If you are experiencing homelessness, please call (954) 563-4357 to initiate assessment services.

The Homeless Helpline is available Monday-Friday, 8AM to 6PM, Saturday and Sunday, 8AM to 12 noon.

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SHELTER INFO IN BROWARD COUNTY:

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Shelters will open in Broward County at NOON - Thursday, September 7, 2017​ http://www.broward.org/hurricane/Page/Default.aspx

 

Broward County residents who wish to evacuate their homes, can register to use the pet-friendly shelter by calling the Humane Society of Broward County at 954-989-3977.

 

FPL: To report power outages, visit FPL.com​ or call 800-468-8243.

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—Dr. Fanya Jabouin

VP/ Program Director

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