Hurricane Relief United Way of Tampa Bay is a leader in disaster relief. In addition to organizing thousands of volunteers to help after a storm, funds are collected and distributed to provide direct relief to those in need. Are you prepared for a Hurricane? We all hope a hurricane will never hit our community, but it's wise to be prepared. Here are some helpful tips from the Federal Government's Department of Health and Social Services: Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters. Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the hurricane strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials. Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it. Locate and secure your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc. Post emergency phone numbers at every phone. Put important numbers in your cell phone's address book. Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability. Make plans to ensure your pets' safety. For more information visit: United Way's Disaster Resources Hillsborough County's Hurricane Information Pinellas County's Emergency Management In 2005, United Way donors provided $219,000 to fund relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Tampa Bay residents also responded to United Way's call for help, which resulted in over 70 tons of food and personal items being shipped by airplane and truck to victims in Mississippi. For more information about the many different ways United Way works in the community to prepare and respond to disasters, visit our Disaster Services Blog.

United Way's Disaster Services Blog Hurricane Katrina Hurricane Charley Cat.5 Caring, Response & Resolve Diaster Resources Links Sheri Taylor, Director Disaster Services 813.274.0900 Email: staylor@uwtb.org