Hurricanes can cause major damage to homes, leaving many residents in need of temporary housing. In Tampa, where tropical storms are common, preparing for the unexpected can help simplify the process and ensure you and your family have a safe place to stay. In this article, we’ll explore tips for securing temporary housing after a hurricane.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Before a hurricane hits, the first thing you need to focus on is understanding your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to know what’s covered. Start by checking whether your policy covers additional living expenses (ALE), which can help pay for temporary housing while your home is undergoing repairs. Keep in mind that standard homeowners’ policies typically cover wind damage but often exclude flood damage, which requires a separate flood insurance policy.
Keep records of any communications with your insurance provider and take photos of any damage once it’s safe to do so. After the hurricane has subsided, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to file a claim. If your home is uninhabitable, inquire about your options for temporary housing. They can guide you through the process and inform you of any coverage limits or restrictions.
Create a Housing Plan
Having a plan in place before a storm can make it easier to secure temporary housing afterward. Consider what is most important for your temporary housing, such as location, price, size, and amenities, or whether it caters to pets and special needs. Having a clear list of priorities can help streamline your search.
Comfort Stations
The City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and Pinellas County have created comfort stations to help residents affected by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Milton. You can find comfort stations in Dunedin, Apollo Beach, and Ruskin. They offer necessities like hot food, showers, laundry, and charging points for electronics. An ID is not required. You can fill up water bottles in a County park, library, or government building. Use the Water Bottle Filling Station map to find one close to you. The State of Florida is also offering free shuttles to shelters. Reservations are not required. Find the schedule here.
Public Shelters
Displaced residents can also take refuge in public disaster relief shelters by the Red Cross. You can find open shelters here.
These shelters can offer you meals, health services, charging stations, emergency supplies, and a safe place to sleep.
Temporary Shelters on Your Property
If your home is structurally sound, not in a flood plain, or outside of the evacuation area, you may wish to consider sheltering in place. If you have been displaced from your home, you may wish to erect a temporary shelter on your property, such as a trailer or recreational vehicle. According to Florida Statutes 553.7922, these shelters can stay on the property for three years after the storm was declared or until you receive a certificate of occupancy on the permanent residential structure.
Hotels and Short-Term Rentals
Displaced residents of Hillsborough County, Plant City, or Temple Terrace within certain income thresholds receive temporary hotel assistance. Call (813) 675-3450 for details. Many hotels offer special rates for those affected by disasters. Look for pet-friendly options if you have pets.
Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO may have listings for short-term rentals in your area or they may even offer free or discounted temporary housing via Airbnb.org. You can find options that suit your needs, such as fully furnished apartments. Consider reaching out to friends or family in the area who may have extra space or be willing to accommodate you temporarily.
Stay Informed
Information can change very quickly after a hurricane. Staying informed will help you make the best decisions for your temporary housing needs. Follow local news stations for updates on any available resources like the Hurricane Information page on the City of Tampa site. You can also sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities like HCFL Alerts to receive real-time information. Other organizations, like the American Red Cross, often assist in the aftermath of a disaster, offering information on available temporary housing, shelters, or financial aid.
Secure Your Temporary Housing
After a hurricane, there is often more demand for temporary housing than supply. As soon as you find a suitable option, make your reservation. If you’re using a rental platform, verify whether the listing is legitimate. If you’re moving into a hotel or rental property, think about what you’ll need during your stay. This includes essentials such as:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Important documents
- Electronics and chargers
If you’re renting a short-term property, communicate with the owner or property manager about your needs. Discuss any specific requirements, such as pet policies or accessibility features.
Financial Assistance Options
If you need help covering the costs of temporary housing, several resources may be available:
FEMA Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assists individuals and families affected by disasters. After applying, you may be eligible for housing assistance, which can help cover temporary housing costs. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling the toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362.
Local Charities and Organizations
Various local charities in Tampa may offer assistance with temporary housing costs or provide financial aid to those in need. Florida United Methodist Conference (FLUMC), United Way, and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) often work with Airbnb.org (the nonprofit arm that provides humanitarian and disaster relief) to provide free or discounted temporary housing. Stays are often free of charge and are funded entirely by Airbnb and the generosity of Airbnb hosts.
Plan for the Long Term
While securing temporary housing is essential immediately after a hurricane, it’s important to consider your long-term housing needs. Once it’s safe to return to your home, assess the extent of the damage. If it’s severe and requires significant repairs, you may need to extend your stay in temporary housing.
If you plan to repair or rebuild your home, communicate with your contractors about specific timelines and costs. This information will help you understand how long you may need temporary housing. Create a budget for your temporary housing costs and any repairs needed for your home. This will help you plan your finances and ensure you can manage expenses while living away from home.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Securing temporary housing after a hurricane can be scary and challenging, but being prepared and organized can help. Understand your insurance coverage, create a housing plan, and stay informed about local resources. By taking proactive steps, you can find a safe place to stay while recovering from the storm’s impact. We are #TampaStrong