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Hurricane Helene Update & Post Storm Resources - September 27

Hurricane Helene Update & Post Storm Resources - September 27

Dear Valued Members and Friends,
 
We are devastated to see the preliminary reports of the destruction to our community caused by Hurricane Helene. It will likely be several days before we know the full impact to our area. In the meantime, we are diligently working to identify resources to assist those in need. We are monitoring information from various sources at the local, state and national level and will post important updates as they are received via our social media and at southtampachamber.org/hurricane-prep/. The South Tampa Chamber physical office remains closed today however, staff are available remotely to assist you.

​If possible, please do not travel today if it is not necessary to leave our roads open for first responders and repair crews.

Never drive through floodwaters. See street flooding and plan your route: tampa.gov/FloodMap

Residents can self-report damages to help prioritize damage assessment operations via the Damage Self Reporting Form: tampa.gov/SelfReport

Tampa Electric offers customers several ways to report and monitor power outages:
  • Log into your online account at TecoAccount.com to report the outage with one click.
  • Visit TampaElectric.com/Outage to report your outage and get restoration status.
  • Text OUT to 27079. Text UPDATE or STATUS for updates on your reported outage.
  • Call 1-877-588-1010, Tampa Electric’s dedicated toll-free automated power outage phone system.
  • Go to TecoAccount.com/Notifications and sign up for free outage notifications by text, email or phone calls.

Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene
Florida Commerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.
Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Helene” from the dropdown menu. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925, open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or email ESF18@em.myflorida.com

Disaster Help Desk For Business
The US Chamber’s Disaster Help Desk provides one-on-one expert assistance to small business owners before, during, and after a disaster strikes. The Disaster Help Desk team is connected to a vast network of disaster-assistance providers, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), and local/regional emergency management associations. Since 2007, the Disaster Help Desk team has advised thousands of small businesses nationwide. Contact at 1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP or complete the form at the link below.
https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/solutions/disaster-response-and-resiliency/disaster-help-desk-for-business

Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County
Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County disaster recovery specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges. Florida SBDC disaster specialists work alongside SBA business loan specialists to provide information about resources available and assist businesses in completing state and federal disaster loan applications. The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County can be reached at HCFL.Gov/FSBDC or (813) 204-9267, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
Other Quick Link Resources

For more hurricane & post storm resources visit https://www.southtampachamber.org/hurricane-prep/.

As always, we are here to assist you and your business.  

Stay Safe South Tampa!
Kelly Flannery, IOM, FCCP
President & CEO
South Tampa Chamber

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