We will add to this list as more resources become available. This post was last updated on October 15th, 2024.
Our hearts go out to all communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and those bracing for the upcoming Hurricane Milton, especially to our Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members.
We know that hurricane preparedness resources are not always accessible in ASL, as we have seen this to be the extreme case with Hurricane Helene.
With Hurricane Milton making landfall, we aim to change this. We have compiled a list of resources available in ASL. We have also included other critical resources that are not available in ASL, but you can contact our Hurricane Relief ASL Helpline to have them explained in ASL. Please make use of this list as needed and share this information with others who may need it in order to maintain information accessibility in our communities.
If you have already been impacted by Hurricane Milton, then prioritize your safety, check on others, and follow any issued evacuation orders.
For one-on-one support in ASL, call our helpline for information about what government assistance is available, how to obtain financial aid, and how to apply for FEMA assistance. You may use this helpline to have general resources explained in ASL. Save this number to your phone now: (833) 682-7630.
This volunteer-led group shares the latest hurricane information in ASL.
Off-The-Grid Missions (OTG) is a Deaf-led Disaster Response organization for Deaf/HH people, based in the US and operating on an international level. They are currently responding on the ground to Hurricanes Helene/Milton in the Southeast regions of the United States.
ASL / Deaf-Friendly Video of services: OTG Instagram Message
OTG Aid includes:
Note: Aid is limited and available until resources run out.
Need help? Please request as soon as possible here: www.offthegridmissions.org/hurricane-relief
While this resource is not available in ASL, it offers vital information on how to prepare for disasters.
This message discusses Hurricane Helene and available resources for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
If you’re experiencing mental health struggles, emotional distress, or addiction concerns, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline to connect with a representative fluent in ASL. Look for the “ASL Now” button.
These resources may not currently be available in ASL, but you can call the Hurricane Relief ASL Helpline to have them explained in ASL.
Uber: Offers free evacuations for those affected by Hurricane Milton. Read More
How to Use:
Starlink: Provides free satellite internet during disasters. Learn More
Disaster Assistance: Support for applying for financial assistance after a disaster.
FEMA Links: Access updates and information regarding emergency assistance by state:
Red Cross: Assistance in finding friends and family after Hurricane Helene. Red Cross Reunification
We do our best to prioritize the accessibility of resources when it comes to natural disasters in our communities. We hope this resource list helps you and others recover from Hurricane Helene and prepare for Hurricane Milton. Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance, including friends, family, neighbors, local organizations, support groups, and helplines.