800 Toll Free Numbers Through the Storm Season

As hurricane season hits its strides and Isaac braces beyond the western shores of Florida, 800 toll free numbers are certainly going to be on the rise. As per every state-activated weather related emergency, the state of Florida has activated various 800 toll free numbers to assess the multitude of individual needs in preparation of and for the duration of the storm. The hotlines have served multiple purposes throughout the state over the weekend.

The purpose of these 800 toll free numbers is to ensure the safety and understanding for individuals and businesses alike. These programs, headed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, provides up-to-date notes on response and recovery efforts and resources for residents and consumers via 800 toll free services and social media. These services are available in multiple languages and for the hearing-impaired and provide safety and evacuation procedures, medical information, and information on safety shelters.

Another important aspect is Florida’s own individual toll free number for price gouging available at 866-9-NO-SCAM (966-7226). This report, independent from emergency response of storm information, is to protect residents and tourists alike from “unscrupulous individuals who attempt to prey on consumers” as Attorney General Pam Bondi explains. Under Florida state law, extreme price increases on commodities such as food, water, hotel services, ice, gasoline, and essential equipment are prohibited should the governor issue a state of emergency. Violators will face a $1,000 per penalty and a fine of up to $25,000 for multiple violations.

As the storm has passed, the toll free hotlines have served their purpose—for Florida that is. As the storm is strengthening and heading across the gulf, the storm that hit Miami on the twentieth anniversary of Andrew is now bracing for Louisiana as the Hurricane Katrina anniversary approaches, possibly as a hurricane. Likewise, a new set of 800 toll free numbers will be set up to assist residents and tourists as storms hit the shores this hurricane and tropical storm season.