Emergency Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers

Miami-Dade & Monroe Counties

The following is a list of emergency relief resources for older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. If you need help navigating services or cannot find what you need, start with the Elder Helpline below.

Alliance for Aging Elder Helpline
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📞 305-670-HELP (4357)

The Elder Helpline can:

  • Connect you to local services and emergency resources
  • Help you register for evacuation assistance
  • Provide caregiver support and guidance

Special Needs & Evacuation Assistance

Florida Department of Health – Special Needs Registry

  • Register for transportation and shelter assistance during emergencies
  • Available for older adults, people with disabilities, and those with medical needs
  • Important: Registration must be renewed every year

The Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) helps:

  • Arrange transportation to special needs shelters
  • Provide support for those who cannot evacuate independently

For local information:

 Disaster Planning & Preparedness

Your safety during a disaster depends on planning ahead.

Click on the images below to download the Florida Division of Emergency Management Hurricane Guide (English and Spanish)

✔️ Make a Plan

  • Identify evacuation routes and shelter options
  • Share your plan with family, friends, or caregivers
  • Plan how to reconnect if separated

✔️ Build a Disaster Supply Kit

Include:

  • At least 7 days of medications
  • Medical supplies and assistive devices
  • Important documents (ID, insurance, prescriptions)
  • Food, water, and pet supplies
  • Flashlight, batteries, and phone chargers

 Helpful Planning Resources

Hurricane Safety

The best time to prepare is before hurricane season.

American Red Cross

Provides:

  • Hurricane safety tips
  • Shelter information
  • Emergency preparedness guides

Additional Disaster Assistance Programs

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

📞 1-800-621-3362
 https://www.disasterassistance.gov

  • Apply for disaster aid (housing, repairs, financial help)
  • Locate Disaster Recovery Centers

Disaster Recovery Loans

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

  • Low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

📞 352-338-3400

  • Loans and assistance for rural residents and communities

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

U.S. Department of Labor

📞 1-866-487-2365

  • Financial assistance for individuals unemployed due to disasters

Food, Housing & Social Services

Florida Department of Children and Families

  • Disaster food assistance
  • Replacement SNAP benefits
  • Hurricane recovery support

Hope Florida

📞 833-438-4673 (833-GET-HOPE)

  • Help with food, housing, employment, and clothing

Disability & Accessibility Services

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

  • Services for individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Emergency planning assistance

Veterans Support

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

📞 1-800-826-1000 (weekdays)
📞 1-800-507-4571 (activated during disasters, 24/7)

Provides:

  • Access to medical care
  • Prescription assistance
  • Emergency support services

Additional Online Resources

⚠️ Final Tips for Older Adults & Caregivers

  • Register early for evacuation assistance
  • Keep emergency contacts written and accessible
  • Plan for power outages (especially medical devices)
  • Watch for scams and price gouging after disasters
  • Check on neighbors and loved ones