Hurricane & Disaster Preparedness Resources

Emergencies and disasters can affect more than our physical safety—they can also impact our emotional and behavioral health. Thriving Mind South Florida is committed to helping individuals, families, caregivers, and communities in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties connect with trusted resources before, during, and after a hurricane, severe weather event, or other emergency.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

 

Behavioral Health & Emotional Support

Disasters can cause stress, anxiety, grief, and other emotional reactions. Help is available.

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support.

 

Disaster Distress Helpline
For emotional support related to a natural or human-caused disaster, call or text 1-800-985-5990.

 

211
Dial 211 to connect with community services and resources that may be available in your area.

 

For additional behavioral health crisis services, including Mobile Response Teams serving Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, visit Thriving Mind’s Crisis Support page.

 

Local Emergency Information

During an emergency, always follow instructions from local emergency management officials. Shelter locations, evacuation orders, transportation information, and other emergency resources can change depending on the situation.

 

Miami-Dade County

Visit Miami-Dade County Emergency Management for current information on hurricane preparedness, evacuation zones, shelters, alerts, and other emergency resources.

Individuals who require specialized transportation or sheltering assistance because of a disability, medical condition, or other access or functional need may be eligible for Miami-Dade County’s Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP). Residents are encouraged to register before an emergency occurs.

 

Monroe County / Florida Keys

Visit Monroe County Emergency Management for information on hurricane preparedness, evacuations, shelters, emergency alerts, and recovery resources.

Eligible residents who may require additional assistance during an emergency can learn more about and register for the Monroe County Special Needs Registry.

 

Florida Emergency & Disaster Resources

Florida Division of Emergency Management

Visit FloridaDisaster.org for statewide emergency preparedness, evacuation, recovery, shelter, and disaster information.

 

Find an Emergency Shelter

Shelter locations and availability can change during an emergency. Use the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s Current Shelter Status page to find information about open general population and special-needs shelters.

 

Florida State Assistance Information Line

During an activated emergency, call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557 for information related to an emergency or disaster.

 

Resources for Individuals Who May Need Additional Assistance

Planning ahead is especially important for individuals who may require additional support during an emergency, including:

• People with disabilities or access and functional needs
• Individuals with medical needs or medical equipment that depends on electricity
• Older adults
• Children and families
• Caregivers
• Individuals who need transportation or evacuation assistance
• Individuals who may need behavioral health or emotional support

Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s Access and Functional Needs resources for information about emergency planning, evacuation, shelters, special-needs registration, medications, service animals, and other considerations.

Residents should also contact their county emergency management office in advance to learn about local special-needs programs, transportation assistance, and eligibility requirements.

 

Prepare Before an Emergency

Don’t wait until a storm or emergency is approaching to make a plan.

• Know your evacuation zone and evacuation options.
• Identify where you will go if you need to evacuate.
• Register in advance for special-needs or evacuation assistance, if eligible.
• Prepare medications, important documents, food, water, and emergency supplies.
• Plan for children, older adults, pets, service animals, and family members who may require additional assistance.
• Keep important phone numbers and emergency contacts readily available.
• Plan for continuity of behavioral health medications, treatment, and supports.
• Follow official local and state emergency alerts and instructions.

 

Behavioral Health Services & Continuity of Care

Individuals receiving behavioral health services should follow instructions from their treatment provider regarding appointments, medications, service availability, and emergency procedures.

Thriving Mind network providers should follow their established emergency and continuity-of-operations procedures and applicable guidance from state and local authorities.

 

Thriving Mind Emergency Planning Contact

For questions related to Thriving Mind South Florida’s emergency planning and disaster preparedness activities:

Primary Contact: Vice President of Continuous Quality Improvement

Alternative Contacts: CQI Manager and CQI Specialist

Email: EmergencyPrep@thrivingmind.org

Phone: 786-374-4661