After Hurricane Milton rolls through Florida on Wednesday and Thursday, you may be faced with a new set of challenges, some of them life-threatening. Here’s how to deal with some situations you may encounter.

I’m stuck in my house or neighborhood. What should I do?

City and county officials have warned that law enforcement will be unable to respond to 911 calls for rescue during the height of the storm. They will resume as soon as it becomes safe. The National Guard and State Guard also have resources to assist with rescue efforts.

Officials warned against going out until local authorities deem it safe. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said downed cables and other damage after the storm could create unseen hazards.

If water enters your home, Pinellas County government recommends staying off the floor and, if necessary, sitting or standing on a bed, table or roof and that wind is not a threat, as it is will be the case when the storm passes.

FEMA is urging all residents to stay out of floodwaters, whether on foot or by car. It can carry a load of underground or fallen power lines, or contain hazards ranging from stray animals to toxic chemicals and waste.

Tampa Electric spokesperson Mary Lou Carn cautioned against touching anything that may have come into contact with downed power lines, and recommended unplugging electronic devices that are not in use to protect against power surges.

I have no cell service. What should I do?

After Hurricane Helene, many in the affected areas did not have access to cell phone service. You may be able to call or text from WiFi networks, which Spectrum says will be available.

Some phone manufacturers offer ways to make emergency calls or send messages via satellite.

iPhones: iPhone 14 models and later have the ability to connect to satellites and send text messages if the phone has iOS 18 downloaded. To connect to a satellite, Apple’s website says to open Connection Assistant in Control Center or the Settings app and choose “Satellite.” Satellite reporting is useful after the storm has passed because it requires you to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.

Older models can still make SOS emergency calls by pressing and holding the side button and volume button at the same time until an SOS slider appears from which you can make calls.

You may also be able to send a text message to 911 from an iPhone or Apple Watch and activate emergency mode for 30 minutes.

Pixel Phones: Google’s website says that Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold have the ability to connect to Satellite. Users should call 911 and then tap Satellite SOS when the option appears. Google Messages is required as the default messaging app.

Androids: Androids can make emergency calls by pressing the power button five times, but this requires cellular service or a WiFi network. Samsung’s website states that Galaxy phones and tablets may work “even if you don’t have service or a working SIM card.” Although your own carrier is not required, a network signal is still required to call 911.

I’m out of water. What should I do?

Experts recommend saving water. The City of Tampa recommends keeping a washcloth and sponge for sanitary purposes and using damp sponges to wipe dishes, which can be disinfected with water and bleach. Or use disposable plates, cups and tableware.

If you store both potable and non-potable water for flushing and other purposes, separate them and consider labeling them.

My house is badly damaged. What should I do?

Officials caution against immediately cleaning up damage or debris.

Carn of Tampa Electric said contact with underground power lines, gas lines or broken pipes can be fatal.

Several legal websites recommend contacting your insurance agent and company immediately for guidance on the steps for filing claims.

Once it is deemed safe to return to the property, experts recommend documenting the damage with photos and videos and keeping a list of damaged items and costs for temporary repairs.

If it is no longer safe to continue living in your home, temporary housing will become available.

After Helene, FEMA provided temporary relocation assistance from hotels and Airbnbs, up to 18 months of rental assistance and up to $42,500 in home repairs. The state offered trailers through the Florida Hope Line. The American Red Cross also offers temporary housing at disaster shelters.

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