United We Prepare & Respond: West Florida Disaster Resources
Here in Northwest Florida, emergency readiness is a year-round priority. From sudden flash floods and severe spring tornadoes to the annual Atlantic hurricane season, protecting our households means staying ahead of the storm.
At United Way of West Florida, we know that true disaster recovery doesn't stop when the skies clear. Rebuilding lives, securing housing, and restoring financial stability can take months or even years. Through deep local partnerships and coordinated state and national networks, we connect individuals, families, and neighborhoods in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with the critical, long-term support needed to bounce back.
Whether you are looking for crisis assistance, upgrading your family's safety plan, or stepping up to volunteer for your neighbors, this page is your localized hub for disaster resilience.
When severe weather threatens the Florida Panhandle, tracking reliable state and regional updates is vital. Keep these essential localized county emergency management contacts bookmarked for real-time evacuation zones, shelter openings, and road closures.
Escambia County Resources
- Escambia County Emergency Management: Find official evacuation lists, local shelter statuses, and the downloadable county disaster guide at MyEscambia.com/BeReady.
- Emergency Contact: Call the Escambia County Emergency Management division directly at (850) 471-6552.
- Local Assistance: Reach out to the Be Ready Alliance for Coordinating Emergencies (BRACE) at (850) 444-7135 for specialized community disaster preparation, volunteer training, and support for elderly/vulnerable residents.
Santa Rosa County Resources
- Santa Rosa County Emergency Management: Track active storm damage reports, current road closures, and localized hazard statuses at SantaRosa.fl.gov/Emergency-Management.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Do not rely on social media alone. Register your cell phone for immediate, automated safety updates through AlertSantaRosa.
- Know Your Zone: Use the interactive Santa Rosa County Evacuation Zone App to type in your address and find out exactly when your neighborhood is ordered to evacuate.
- Local Assistance: Connect with SAFER Santa Rosa (Supporting Associations & Foundations in Emergency Readiness), our county’s dedicated humanitarian disaster network.
If you are experiencing an immediate, life-threatening emergency, please dial 911. For local resource routing and immediate emotional support, utilize these free, confidential networks.
- 211 Northwest Florida: Need help finding emergency food distribution, temporary housing, or financial aid? Dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211 Northwest Florida to speak with a trained local specialist 24/7.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or a loved one are experiencing an intense mental health crisis during or after a disaster, call or text 988 anytime for immediate, compassionate care.
- Disaster Distress Helpline: The emotional toll of a major storm can be overwhelming. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with professional, 24/7 crisis counseling.
A comprehensive family emergency plan accommodates every single member of your household, including those with unique health, mobility, or care needs.
For Caregivers & Older Adults
Disaster situations disrupt everyday medical routines. Make sure your plan accounts for mobility challenges and daily care requirements:
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Special Needs Shelters: If you or a family member requires basic medical assistance that exceeds standard public shelter capabilities, you must register in advance. Escambia and Santa Rosa county health departments coordinate these specialized locations. Register online through the Florida Department of Health or contact your respective county emergency management office for assistance.
For Pet Owners
Never leave your pets behind during an evacuation. If a structure isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for them:
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Local Pet-Friendly Shelters: Not all public shelters accept animals. Both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties designate specific pet-friendly shelter locations during a hurricane evacuation. Check live county shelter dashboards as a storm approaches to verify which locations are active.
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Lost & Found Networks: Keep a digital copy of your pet's photo on your phone. In the chaotic aftermath of a major storm, utilize national locator tools like PetFinder or the Humane Society hotline (1-800-HUMANE) to track down missing animals.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are powerful tropical weather systems. When hurricanes move onto land, they sweep the ocean inward. Heavy winds, tornadoes, strong thunderstorms, flooding, storm surge and landslides can all be caused by hurricanes.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 with the peak season from mid-August to late October.
Hurricane Categories
Tropical Depression: winds up to 39 miles per hour (mph).
Tropical Storm: 39 to 73 mph winds
Category 1: 74 to 95 mph winds
Category 2: 96 to110 mph winds
Category 3: 111 to 130 mph winds
Category 4: 131 to 155 mph winds.
Category 5: winds 156 mph or greater.
Hurricane Preparedness
Remember the four steps: Gather. Record. Prepare. Protect.
Gather important documents, such as insurance policies, birth certificates, deeds, and utility bills and store them in waterproof containers. Also gather any important mementos, such as family photos and keepsakes. Write down any important numbers in case you lose power.
Record evidence of your home. Take photos of the inside and outside, including walls, floors, close-ups of appliances and other high-end items. Email photos to yourself for backup.
Prepare your home if you have time. Secure outdoor objects or move them inside, protect windows and use sandbags in doorways.
Protect yourself. This is the most important step. Keep cash, your photo ID and any medications with you. Follow evacuation orders — they are made to keep you safe. If you choose to stay, remember to store enough food, water and pet supplies with you. Store extra batteries, a battery-operated radio and gasoline
Get Connected. Get Help.
When a disaster happens, help is just a phone call away.
211 provides information about emergency information, natural disaster relief, available shelters, financial assistance, and more.
To get connected, dial 211 on your phone or text your zip code to 898-211.
For life-threatening or property emergencies, please call 911.
