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LULAC Urges Floridians to Heed Evacuation Orders and Stay Safe as Hurricane Milton Approaches
LULAC is actively engaged in monitoring Hurricane Milton and working closely with FEMA and state officials to prioritize the safety of our Latino communities and all Floridians. This storm is projected to be catastrophic, with the west coast of Florida—especially between Naples and Tampa—facing dangerous storm surges, hurricane-force winds, and life-threatening flooding. LULAC strongly urges everyone in Milton’s path to heed evacuation orders immediately.
For those who choose to stay behind, it is important to document your property with photos and videos, and gather your flood and property insurance information. LULAC remains committed to protecting our communities, and we are sharing FEMA’s Hurricane Milton Pre-Landfall Communications Resources: Preparedness and Evacuations toolkit, available in Spanish and English, to help guide families in this critical time. These resources are vital in ensuring that everyone has the necessary information to stay safe.
Hurricane Milton Pre-Landfall Communications Resources: Preparedness and Evaluations (ENGLISH)
Hurricane Milton Pre-Landfall Communications Resources: Preparedness and Evaluations (SPANISH)
FEMA has pre-positioned over 1,000 responders, search and rescue teams, and essential supplies such as food, water, and healthcare support, in preparation for Hurricane Milton’s aftermath. In addition, free evacuation shuttles are running in Manatee, Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, and Sarasota counties, and Uber code MILTONRELIEF can be used for free rides to shelters.
LULAC urges all members and communities to share these resources and stay informed. For more information on shelters and emergency contacts, visit Florida Disaster Shelters.
Shelter in Place: Do not attempt to travel during the storm. Hurricane winds are expected to impact a large portion of the state, even far from the storm's center. The risk of flash flooding, tornadoes, high-speed debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines is severe.
If you feel unsafe at home: A list of emergency shelters, including those equipped for individuals needing assistance or with pets, is available at Shelter Status | Florida Disaster. Head to a shelter before the storm arrives.
Avoid floodwaters: Walking or driving through floodwaters is extremely dangerous. Water may be electrically charged by downed power lines or contain hazards like wild animals, waste, and chemicals that can cause illness.
Prepare for service outages:
- Freeze water bottles to keep food cool and fill bathtubs for emergency water supplies.
- Charge your devices and switch them to low power mode to preserve battery life during potential outages. Text messages or social media may be the best way to stay connected.
- Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles to avoid fire hazards.
- Generators should only be used outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows and doors, and kept dry.
For questions, contact FEMA’s Office of External Affairs:
For Latest Updates
For the latest updates on disaster recovery and preparedness for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, visit our dedicated web pages at Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
Stay connected with LULAC on social media at: @facebook @instagram @twitter
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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest Latino civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Latinos and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 535 Councils and 145,000 members across the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting the critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org. |
