Prepare Now. Stand Ready. Respond Together.

As Hurricane Isaias approaches Florida, our Legion Family must once again prepare to support our veterans, members, and communities. With Governor DeSantis activating emergency resources, now is the time to take precautions and prepare for potential impacts.

We know our Legion Family is eager to jump into action when disaster strikes. However, experience has taught us that an effective response requires patience, communication, and coordination.

Following the storm, Department Commander Bob Matheson and the Disaster Preparedness Committee will coordinate relief efforts and provide guidance as needed. Please refrain from entering affected areas or sending supplies until needs have been assessed and it is safe to respond. Our goal is to ensure help reaches those who need it most without hindering emergency operations.

In the meantime, secure your Post facilities and put your Disaster Preparedeness plans into action.

Your dedication to serving others is what makes our Legion Family extraordinary. Together, we'll be ready when our communities need us most.

Prepare.

Take steps now to ensure both your Post and home are storm-ready, with the safety of your family and fellow members as your top priority.

We strongly encourage Posts to secure important items, including insurance policies, charters, gavels, flags, and essential records. Designate a primary point of contact for emergency communications. At a minimum, protect important documents in sealed plastic bags or waterproof containers and store them in a high location, away from potential floodwaters!

Stay informed by following updates and instructions from your local city and county emergency management officials. For statewide updates, visit floridadisaster.org. Additional tips can be found in The Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness.

Check-In.

If your Post is in the path of the storm, please check in with us after the storm has passed using the Post Check-In form to let us know how you fared. Your safety and well-being are our priority.

*Your Post may be eligible for the National Emergency Fund (NEF) if it serves as a shelter, host relief efforts by organizations like the Red Cross or Team Rubicon, or if it incurs storm damage that hinders your ability to serve the community.

Designated Staging Areas.

Once the storm has passed, if you’d like to serve as a designated staging area and collect relief items, please coordinate with Department Headquarters. This information will be communicated to the Chair, as well as your Area and District Commanders. To ensure everyone’s safety, the distribution of supplies to affected areas requires meticulous logistical planning. We must guarantee that needed items reach the right locations and that there is sufficient space to receive them. Your cooperation is essential to making this process effective and efficient.

Fundraising.

The Department of Florida relies on our Disaster Relief Fund to provide critical support and supplies to affected Posts, members, and local communities. We need your help to ensure we have the necessary resources to make a real impact. We encourage you to donate and also consider organizing your own fundraising efforts within your community, workplace, or organization. Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference.

Donations can be made directly through our website or by mailing a check to our Department Headquarters at the address below. Please make checks payable to The American Legion, Department of Florida, and include “Disaster Relief” in the memo line. Together, we can extend our reach and ensure that relief gets to those who need it most. Thank you for your generosity and support.

The American Legion, Department of Florida

Attn: Disaster Relief

1912 Lee Road

Orlando, FL 32810