A resource for immigrant community members in Florida to stay safe, access food and emergency supplies, and navigate the days after a hurricane
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Hurricane and heat preparedness
Hurricanes and flooding
A hurricane is a type of tropical storm that has extremely high winds, strong rain, and storm surge. They are rated by category (1 through 5, with 5 being the strongest) and can be deadly, causing flooding and damage to homes. The most important thing to keep in mind during a disaster is your own, your family’s, and your community’s safety. The National Weather Service has a guide for hurricanes and floods; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a guide for extreme heat safety.
- If you lose power, never operate a generator inside your home. Generators emit carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be fatal if inhaled.
- Never wade in floodwaters. They often contain harmful runoff from sewer systems and can cause serious illness and health issues. When you come in contact with flood water, be sure to wash exposed skin immediately after contact. All wounds need to be treated to prevent infections.
- If it’s safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box before a hurricane to prevent electric shock.
Pack an emergency kit
It’s important to pack a kit of supplies for your family to get ready for hurricane season, which is usually strongest from August through October. Try to gather as much as you can ahead of time, in case shelves are empty at stores.
Some of the most important things to have:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day for several days)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food) and a can opener
- Medicines and documentation of your medical needs
- Documents (ID, proof of citizenship if you have it, an electric or phone bill to prove your address, a lease if you’re renting)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio (with batteries)
- Flashlight (with batteries)
- First aid kit
- Masks, hand sanitizer, and trash bags
- Wrench or pliers
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Diapers and wipes for babies and children
- Sandbags: These won’t stop water completely or protect you from waves or storm surge, but they can reduce the amount of water that gets into your home. Usually, counties or cities offer free sandbags. You have to have proof of residency, so bring a phone bill/electric bill or an ID card.
Where to get cheap or free supplies
It can be expensive to build a kit, so try buying an extra gallon of water or can of food when you go to the grocery over the course of a few weeks. Although this varies depending on where you are, here are some places that may provide supplies or could connect you with organizations that offer them:
- School weekend backpack programs
- Local churches or places of worship
- Food banks or weekly food distributions
- Libraries
- Immigrant/migrant worker organizations
- American Red Cross
- Family Resource Centers
Evacuation
Do you know which road to take if you need to evacuate? Florida’s evacuation routes for each county can be found in English (You’ll need to use Google Translate to translate the page.)
For pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding parents:
Are you a breastfeeding mother? La Leche League has information about the importance of breastfeeding during an emergency and how to make sure everything remains sanitary if you need to express milk.
If you are pumping:
- Take advantage of any situation where you can safely wash your pump parts. If you do not have safe, clean water, consider hand expression instead.
- According to the CDC, throw out bottle nipples or pacifiers that have been in contact with floodwater.
If you use formula, make sure to use bottled water in case tap water is unsafe. According to the CDC:
- Always check with local authorities on the status of the drinking water and follow boil water advisories.
- If bottled water is not available, boil water for 1 minute and let it cool before mixing with formula.
- Only use treated water to prepare formula if bottled or boiled water is unavailable.
Heat-related illnesses
Heat cramps: This is the mildest reaction you might have to heat exposure, usually after strenuous activity in extreme heat. Your body’s moisture and salt levels may become depleted, causing muscle cramps. If you feel cramps, it’s important to get rest, drink plenty of water and eat snacks that are heavy in carbohydrates.
Heat exhaustion: If you don’t recognize and treat the signs of heat exhaustion, it may lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal. Signs of heat exhaustion include goose bumps on the skin, heavy sweating, or feeling faint, dizzy or fatigued. You may feel muscle cramps and nausea as well. If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, it’s important to get out of the heat and sun and rest. Drink water or a sports drink to stay hydrated. If your symptoms do not start to get better after rest, you may need to seek immediate medical attention.
Heatstroke, hyperthermia: This is the most extreme response you may experience due to heat exposure. Your body temperature may rise to dangerous levels, above 104 degrees and you will likely need immediate medical attention.
Symptoms may include nausea, confusion and slurred speech, rapid breathing and racing heart beat, and headaches. These symptoms should be treated as soon as possible: Try to get out of the heat, whether that’s indoors or in shade. Remove excess clothing and cool down body temperatures with cold water, ice packs or wet towels on the head and neck. If you see someone with these symptoms, cool them down with water or ice packs and then get them to a hospital as soon as possible.
To prevent illnesses related to the heat, drink a glass of water every 20 minute to stay hydrated. People with chronic conditions are in greater risk of heat illnesses. Control your condition as prescribed by your provider. Read more about heat waves here.
What is FEMA?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an agency under the Department of Homeland Security, so you may see DHS logos at its sites. FEMA shows up after a major disaster is declared by the president to offer financial assistance and resources to individuals; it also helps state, tribal, and local governments pay for the cost of removing debris and rebuilding public infrastructure.
If you are a U.S. citizen or meet certain qualifications as a non-citizen, you could be eligible for financial assistance after a disaster. Regardless of citizenship or immigration status, if you are affected by a federally declared disaster, you may be eligible for crisis counseling, disaster legal services, disaster case management, medical care, shelter, food, and water.
FEMA disaster recovery centers are facilities and mobile units where you can find information about the agency’s programs as well as other state and local resources. According to a FEMA spokesperson, if any person has any type of need after a federally declared disaster, whether it’s baby formula or a place to stay, you can ask for that information and will be directed to where to find it. If you need financial assistance, you will be asked for a social security number and identification.
FEMA has online resources in multiple languages, as well as real-time captioning and other assistive technologies in recovery centers:
- Portuguese: Go to ready.gov and click “disasters and emergencies.” Choose a page from the drop-down menu in English, like “Make A Plan.” Click “Português, Brasil” and the pages will be in Portuguese.
- For Spanish: Go to listo.gov to find out more about emergency response, financial assistance, and how to make a plan for your family. This document tells you what you need to know about whether or not you qualify for financial assistance after a disaster.
- Haitian Creole: Go to ready.gov and click “disasters and emergencies.” Choose a page from the drop-down menu in English, like “Make A Plan.” Click “Kreyól” and the pages will be in Kreyól.
Know your rights
Identification
You shouldn’t need identification to receive emergency supplies or stay at most emergency shelters, but you may be asked to provide some. Identification may include a photo or non-photo ID; it does not necessarily mean you need to supply a driver’s license, passport, or social security number. Some organizations offer community IDs for those who do not qualify for a state-issued ID. This is only available in some counties, however, and may not be accepted depending on the county or location. Places that offer them are: Legal Aid in Broward County; Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County; Human Rights Coalition/RWHP in Alachua County.
Staying safe and informed
Going to a shelter or government-run site can be intimidating. Here are some tips:
- Use the buddy system: There is safety in numbers. Go with multiple people to feel more confident in getting the help you need.
- Find an English speaker: Someone who speaks English well may be able to help you get services if you are worried about experiencing language barriers.
- Request language interpretation: When talking to police, firefighters, or hospital workers, you have a legal right to an interpreter. Other agencies and institutions may have access to interpreters and translators as well.
- Contact an advocacy organization: Farmworker and immigrant advocacy organizations may be able to help you get the supplies and food you need at a safe space. Check with the ones listed in this brochure or on our digital guide for more information.
- Talk to your faith community: Speak with your local pastor, members of your place of worship, or someone else you trust about your options.
Legal resources
There are many resources for immigrants, migrant workers, and farmworkers in Florida in case you are in need of legal help. (Disclaimer: We are not offering legal advice; this is only to offer contact information for organizations that can offer legal resources and services.)
Florida Immigrant Coalition
Phone: 1-888-600-5762 for referrals to legal services; info@flic.org. They also offer free printable “Know Your Rights” cards in Spanish and English.
Florida Legal Services has offices in Newberry and Orlando. Phone: 407-801-4350
Florida Rural Legal Services assists people in Lee, Polk, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Indian River, Highlands, Hardee, Hendry, Charlotte, Desoto, and Glade Counties. Farmworkers can call from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: 1-855-771-3077
Unemployment during disasters
If you are an agricultural worker on a temporary visa and you lose a job when a flood or storm hits, your employer must give you up to 75 percent of your lost wages. This is a federal law. If you are an H2-A worker and your employer does not provide these lost wages, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor. (This website has instructions on how to do that, in English and in Spanish.) Some people have reported retaliation for making a complaint about working conditions. You can tell the Department of Labor if you think this has happened to you.
Federal food programs: Do you qualify?
Below are resources to find affordable or free food before, during, or after a hurricane or heat wave. You can contact the organizations listed in this brochure, or follow them on social media, to find out about food distribution services they can connect you with.
Nonprofit and community food programs
- The Farmworker Association of Florida has Campesinos’ Gardens at some locations, which offer free fresh food, as well as donated baked goods and canned/packaged goods when the garden is not in season. Contact the office to find out more: 407-886-5151
- Look for a church near you that has a food pantry or food distribution service.
- Our digital guide (find it via the QR code on the back of this brochure) lists more organizations in central and north Florida that distribute food at no charge.
Federal food assistance programs
Depending on your legal status, total household income, and if your household has children under 5 years old or a pregnant or breastfeeding mother, you could be eligible for government benefits that include financial assistance for food.
Some important things to consider:
- If you are an H2-A worker, you can qualify for these federal food benefits through an application process, but you typically have to wait five years after you secure qualified immigrant status.
- Do you have a U.S.-born child? They can qualify for these benefits, though it may not be enough to feed the entire family.
SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food assistance to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget for foods to prepare at home. In the event of a disaster, you may be able to buy hot or pre-made food using SNAP dollars. You must fill out this waiver (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese).
WIC: The Women, Infants, and Children program offers food assistance, information, and healthcare referrals to low-income families with children under age 6 or those expecting a new child. You can be eligible for WIC with any immigration status. To apply for WIC, you will need to call either your local WIC office number, or the toll-free number: 1-800-342-3556.
SUNCAP: In Florida, if you receive SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, you could also be eligible to receive SUNCAP to help pay for food. To receive SSI and/or SUNCAP, you must be a citizen or have legal status.
D-SNAP: After a disaster, you could receive D-SNAP, which is usually at least a month of the maximum SNAP benefit for low-income households. This assistance is for those who do not already get or qualify for SNAP and have experienced a disaster-related loss such as loss of food. You must request D-SNAP benefits, which involves pre-registering online and a telephone interview. This is not immediate relief, as it could take time to receive the benefits.
Where to access food and other resources
These organizations offer resources for farmworkers throughout Florida. Among the services they provide are: free food, health clinics, emergency services, and referrals to legal assistance. Contact them directly to find out what is available to you.
The Farmworker Association of Florida
Headquarters in Apopka: 1264 Apopka Boulevard, Apopka, FL 32703
Phone: 407-886-5151
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, with events on weekends and after hours
Fellsmere: 29 S Maple Street, Unit A, Fellsmere, FL 32948
Phone 772-571-0081
Immokalee: 415 Rose Ave, Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone: 863-885-9484
Pierson: 111 Fountain Drive, Pierson, FL 32180
Phone: 386-749-9826
Homestead: 329 N. Flagler Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030
Phone: (305) 247-0072
Project SALUD, of the Rural Women’s Health Project
RWHP connects immigrant community members to food, health clinics, and more, and offers programs around health and social justice in Alachua, Dixie, Levy, Gilchrist, Marion, and Suwannee counties.
1108 SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: 352-575-8024
Email: info@rwhp.org; Facebook: Project SALUDWHP
The United Way of Florida
The United Way has offices across Florida and offers resources in Spanish. Text your zip code to 898-211 for more information or call 2-1-1 to get information about food and nutrition programs, emergency information, healthcare services, and much more.
Farm Share
Based in Homestead, Farm Share offers workshops for hurricane preparedness and does food distribution. Their Facebook posts are only in English, but if you click “follow” in the upper right corner you will be able to see locations when they distribute food or announce events throughout the state.
RCMA
With offices across south Florida, including in Immokalee, Palm Beach, and LaBelle, RCMA offers programs for child development, emergency preparedness for families, and immigration assistance.
402 W Main St., Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone: 800-282-6540
More local organizations that offer food distribution:
Hope Community Center
Phone: 407-880-4673
1016 North Park Avenue, Apopka, FL, 32712
Hours: Monday 9AM -1PM
Farmworker Ministry
Phone: 863-967-9583
318 W. Bridgers Ave.
Auburndale, Florida 33823
centrocampesino@cs.com
Monday/lunes: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday/martes: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday/miércoles: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday/jueves: CLOSED/CERRADO
Friday/viernes: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday/sábado y domingo: CLOSED/CERRADO
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
411 Mercy Drive, Orlando, Fl 32805
Phone: 407-295-1066
Their map has locations of food throughout the area. In some counties, Second Harvest offers SNAP benefits assistance to help you navigate the application process.
Loaves and Fishes
Call for appointment/delivery at 407-886-6005 Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Non-TEFAP Clients requires proof of address and proof of income.
206 E. 8th Street, Apopka, FL, 32703
Cultivate Abundance
17151 Laurelin Ct., North Fort Myers, FL 33917
239-478-8571
info@cultivateabundance.org
They offer weekly food distributions and have gardens throughout the area.
Cover photo: A displaced damaged mobile home is seen in the middle of a road in Steinhatchee, Florida on August 30, 2023 after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP / Getty Images
This digital guide is a companion to our print guide, which is being distributed via Farmworker Association of Florida, Rural Women’s Health Project, and others in north and central Florida. Download the PDF below.
