Shelter, food, showers and more. Here’s how Fort Lauderdale flood victims can get help

The Red Cross on Sunday opened a second shelter in Fort Lauderdale after the first one filled overnight following historic rainfalls and widespread flooding last week, officials said.

The organization’s reunification center at Holiday Park, 1150 G. Harold Martin Dr., exceeded its capacity of 100 people Saturday night. Now, the nonprofit has opened a second shelter at First Presbyterian Church, 451 Tarpon Terr., the city of Fort Lauderdale said in a news release Sunday.

Both shelters are providing temporary lodging, emotional support, food and personal care items to survivors. The center at Holiday Park is accepting pets in kennels.

READ MORE: ‘Don’t rush to the pumps’: Port Everglades has ample fuel supply after South Florida floods

For those who need services other than temporary housing, check out these additional resources.

Where are the ‘comfort stations’ in Fort Lauderdale?

If you have a safe place to sleep but need things like water, food, restrooms, charging stations or showers, there are two “comfort stations” operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

▪ Shirley Small Park: 1230 SW 34th Ave.

▪ Broward County Fleet Service Center: 2515 SW 4th Ave.

And a third station is serving food only:

▪ New Hope Missionary Baptist Church: 1321 NW 6th St.

Food will no longer be served at the previous location, Provident Park: 1412 NW 6th St.

READ MORE: ‘Barely made it out.’ Here’s how to help victims of South Florida’s severe flooding

Crews distributed approximately 800 cases of water Sunday and the Red Cross served hundreds of meals at its comfort stations, the city said in an afternoon news release.

And there is more aid on the way.

Help for businesses and workers

Starting Monday, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Division of Emergency Management will set up a mobile office in Fort Lauderdale at Park and Ride Lot, 216 NW 22nd Ave., to assist businesses and employees affected by last week’s rain bomb.

Staff will be available to assist with services like damage assessment, business planning and job searches.

The site plans to open Monday at 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Then on Tuesday, the mobile office’s hours will be from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m..

All businesses impacted by the flooding are encouraged to complete a “Business Damage Assessment Survey” at floridadisaster.biz.

What can residents do if their homes were damaged?

Fort Lauderdale residents with damage to their homes are encouraged to document and report it to the city. If you had 12 or more inches of water inside your home, call the city’s 24/7 customer service center at 954-828-8000.

The city is also encouraging homeowners to rely on their flood insurance policies for assistance.

READ MORE: Are you ready if your car or home floods? What to know as South Florida’s rainy season begins

Parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, including the Fort Lauderdale area, are under a flood advisory until 5:30 p.m. Monday as strong thunderstorms move across the region, according to the National Weather service in Miami.

How can homeowners prepare for debris removal?

Debris removal trucks were deployed Monday morning in Fort Lauderdale, and they will only operate during daytime hours.

To prepare, the city is encouraging homeowners to follow these guidelines:

▪ Separate construction and demolition debris from appliances.

▪ Place debris on the area between the sidewalk and the roadway and away from trees, poles, fire hydrants and storm drains.

▪ If you don’t have a sidewalk, ditch or utility line in front of your house, place debris at the edge of your property before the curb.

Other ways you can get help

The city of Fort Lauderdale has created a survey to collect and identify needs and connect neighbors with partner organizations that can assist. To complete the Neighbor Needs Assessment, click here. And if you have concerns about mosquitoes, fill out the Mosquito Service Request Form or call 311.

Miami Herald staff writers David Neal and Grethel Aguila contributed to this report.