Intro to Our Rebuilding Initiative

During good and bad times, it is Tampa Bay’s community spirit that truly shines. At Domain Homes, we’ve always believed in the strength and resilience of the Tampa Bay community. After the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we’re standing together with you to rebuild, restore, and recover.

Through our initiative, Rebuilding Together with Domain Homes, we’re committed to helping you and your family navigate the challenges that come in the aftermath of these hurricanes.

Important Note: This is an ever-evolving resource, and will be updated regularly to provide essential information, helpful tips, and ways to give back. We are here for you, now and always.

About Domain Homes

For those who may not be familiar with us, Domain Homes is a premium home builder in the West Central Florida region, dedicated to building quality homes with care and attention to detail. We’re a local builder through and through, with deep roots in Tampa Bay and years of experience in its neighborhood styles and building standards. Now, more than ever, it is our responsibility to support the community that has given us so much.

Local Resources for Hurricane Recovery

Below are some links the Domain Homes team has compiled for local resources that can provide additional support. 

Whether you need financial assistance, emergency shelter, or general information, these organizations are ready to assist.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS: 

  • 2-1-1: Call 211 for information and referral to food, housing, health and mental health services 
  • Red Cross: Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)
  • Feeding Tampa Bay: Visit https://feedingtampabay.org/ to find emergency food distributions 
  • Metropolitan Ministries: Visit https://www.metromin.org/ for support for food, shelter and financial assistance

LOCAL RESOURCES:

  • FEMA Disaster Assistance:
  • Crisis Cleanup Hotline
    • 844-965-1386 (Hillsborough and Pinellas) 
  • Pinellas County Hotline for Displacement: for people displaced with no housing accommodations
  • Pinellas Hurricane Website: to report damage, debris cleanup, housing resources, verify contractors licenses, sign up for alerts, etc.
  • Tampa Bay Emergency Services:
  • Florida Division of Emergency Management:
  • Insurance Consumer Helpline:
    • 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) 
  • Insurance Fraud Hotline:
    • 1-800-378-0445 
  • Florida Commerce: Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
    • Call 1-833-989-2763 FEDERAL RESOURCES 
  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance Loans:
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Agriculture Assistance:

Common Post-Hurricane Problems

After any major hurricane, the road to recovery can feel confusing and overwhelming. From water damage to power outages, every problem can seem daunting, but fortunately most things are solvable. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common issues homeowners face after a storm, along with practical tips to help you move forward.

1. Flooding and Water Damage

  • Top Tips:
    • Remove standing water as soon as possible, and dry out affected areas quickly to prevent mold growth.
    • Use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to promote air circulation.
    • For safety purposes, do not enter areas with standing water unless the power has been disconnected.

2. Roof and Structural Damage

  • Top Tips:
    • Inspect your roof for missing shingles, damaged underlayment, obvious leaks, or other signs of damage.
    • If you know somebody with a drone in your area, ask them to fly over the roof to inspect the damage if you don’t feel comfortable going up yourself.
    • Use tarps or other temporary solutions to cover exposed areas until professional repairs can be made.
    • Consider calling a company to temporarily tarp your roof if you cannot do it yourself.
    • Schedule a professional inspection to ensure there’s no hidden damage that could cause long-term issues.

3. Mold Growth

  • Top Tips:
    • Control moisture by keeping humidity levels as low as possible. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
    • Clean up any minor mold growth using mold-killing products and ensure the area is dry. Mold can grow fast, so it’s important to jump on this quickly.
    • For widespread or larger mold issues, it’s essential to contact a professional mold remediation service ASAP.

4. Power Outages

  • Top Tips:
    • Keep flashlights and battery-powered tools handy.
    • If using a generator, always ensure it’s outside and properly ventilated. Never use it indoors.
    • Consider staying with friends or family for a night to get a temporary escape from not having AC and power.
    • Consider working from local businesses or areas where power has been restored and WiFi is being offered.
    • Locate your emergency release for your garage so that you can open the garage door manually.
    • Remember that a refrigerator will keep food safe for 4-6 hours if you don’t open the door. After that, perishable foods need to be thrown away.
    • A freezer, unopened, will keep food safe for 48 hours, according to the CDC.

5. Debris and Junk Removal

  • Top Tips:
    • Always wear gloves and protective clothing when handling debris. Also, keep in mind that nails, screws, and other items may have blown off other houses. So always be extra careful when going through debris.
    • As a first step, prioritize clearing driveways, sidewalks, and emergency access points.
    • For large items such as trees or heavy debris, contact professionals to avoid injury.

6. Short-Term or Long-Term Shelter

  • Top Tips:
    • Contact local emergency services such as FEMA and local government to help locate temporary accommodations for short-term stays.
    • Contact your insurance provider immediately to see if your homeowner’s or renter’s policy covers temporary housing while your claim is being processed.
    • Find available rental housing for long-term stays in the event you need to restore or rebuild your home.
    • If leaving your home, gather important documents, personal items, and belongings to take with you if it is safe to do so. 

Mental Health and Emotional Support 

After any major stressful event or life change, it is important to check in with yourself. It’s so easy to become consumed with finding solutions, managing what feels like a never-ending list of challenges, and living in constant fight or flight. 

Remember you are not alone. There are resources to help you get the support you need during this time. 

  • National Disaster Distress Hotline: 24/7 support for anyone experiencing emotional distress
    • 1-800-985-5990 (call or text)
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 for suicide and mental health crisis 

How You Can Support the Community

Rebuilding after a hurricane isn’t just about homes and infrastructure. It’s about supporting each other through acts of kindness and selflessness.

Here are some meaningful ways you can help others in need:

  • Donations: Consider contributing to local charities, hurricane relief funds, or organizations working directly with individuals impacted by the storms.
  • Volunteering: Volunteer with a local organization, church, or group. Alternatively, you can show up to the heavily affected areas and simply ask people if they could use a hand.
  • Offer Temporary Housing: If you have extra space, or a rental property, even one or two nights can make a world of difference for someone who has been displaced.
  • Donate Supplies: Many people are in need of bottled water, non-perishable food, and first-aid supplies. Every little bit counts! You can also consider ordering some pizzas, sandwiches, or other types of food, and drive around handing it out to people who are hard at work.

Not Sure Where to Start? Just Contact Us!

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start.

That’s why Domain Homes has a small team of “Navigators” dedicated to helping you get the information and support you need. With years of experience building homes and knowing the ins and outs of that entire process, we are well-equipped to point you in the right direction.

Whether it’s guiding you through the rebuilding process or pointing you to local resources, our Navigators are here to assist you.

How to reach our team for help:

Call Us: 813-580-8111

Visit our Contact Page: https://www.domainhomes.com/contact/

We’re here to provide advice, support, and guidance. Feel free to share this blog article as a resource with your family, friends and other members of the community who have been impacted by the two recent hurricanes. We will rebuild together.