What do I do? How to deal with Hurricane Milton’s aftermath

After Hurricane Milton crosses Florida Wednesday and Thursday, you may find yourself navigating a new set of challenges — some of them life-threatening. Here’s how to deal with a few situations you may encounter.

I’m stuck in my home or neighborhood. What do I do?

City and county officials have warned that law enforcement will not be able to respond to 911 calls for rescue during the peak of the storm. Once it becomes safe to, they will resume. The National and State guard have resources ready to assist with rescues as well.

Officials warned against going outside until after local authorities deem it safe to be. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said downed wires and other post-storm damage could create unseen dangers.

If water enters your home, Pinellas County government recommends staying off the floor, sitting or standing on a bed, table or roof if necessary and winds are not a threat, as they will be when the storm is moving through.

FEMA urges all residents to stay out of floodwater, whether on foot or by car. It can carry a charge from underground or fallen power lines, or contain hazards ranging from stray animals to toxic chemicals and waste.

Tampa Electric spokesperson Mary Lou Carn warned against touching anything that may have come in contact with downed power lines, and recommended unplugging electronic appliances not being used to protect from power surges.

I don’t have cell service. What do I do?

After Hurricane Helene, many in impacted areas found themselves without access to cell service. You may be able to make calls or send texts from WiFi networks, which Spectrum has said will be available.

Some phone manufacturers offer ways to make emergency calls or send messages via satellite.

iPhones: iPhone 14 models and above have the ability to connect to satellites and send texts if the phone has iOS 18 downloaded. To connect to a satellite, Apple’s website says to open the Connection Assistant in Control Center or Settings app and choose “Satellite.” Messages by satellite are useful after the storm passes as they require being outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.

Older models are still able to make emergency SOS calls by pressing and holding the side button and volume button at the same time until an Emergency SOS slider appears from which you can make calls.

You may also be able to text 911 from an iPhone or Apple Watch and activate an emergency mode for 30 minutes.

Pixel phones: Google’s website says Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold have the ability to connect to Satellite. Users should dial 911 and then tap Satellite SOS once the option appears. Google Messages is required as default messaging app.

Androids: Androids can make emergency calls by pressing the power button five times, but cell service or a WiFi network is required. Samsung’s website said Galaxy phones and tablets may be able to make “even if you don’t have service or a working SIM card.” Though your own carrier is not required, a network signal is still required to call 911.

My water is out. What do I do?

Experts recommend conserving water. The City of Tampa recommends keeping a washcloth and sponge for hygiene purposes and using damp sponges to wipe dishes, which can be sanitized with water and bleach. Or use disposable plates, cups and dinnerware.

If you’re storing both drinkable water and non-potable water for flushing and other purposes, separate them and consider labeling them.

My home is severely damaged. What do I do?

Officials warn against immediately trying to clean up damage or debris.

Tampa Electric’s Carn said contact with underground power lines, gas lines or downed lines could be deadly.

Several legal websites advise contacting your insurance agent and company immediately for guidance on steps for filing claims.

Once it is deemed safe to return to the property, experts recommend documenting damage with photos and videos and keeping a list of damaged items and expenses for temporary repairs.

If it’s no longer safe to stay in your home, temporary housing will become available.

After Helene, FEMA offered assistance with temporary displacement assistance for hotels and Airbnbs, up to 18 months of rental assistance and up to $42,500 in home repairs. The state offered trailers via the Florida Hope Line. The American Red Cross also offers temporary housing at disaster shelters.

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