Fla. asks public to sign up for disaster alerts

Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida officials have set up a text alert system in case residents need assistance after Tropical Storm Isaac.

The Department of Children and Families may provide emergency food assistance to some areas after the storm passes. Residents can receive text and email alerts to find out whether their area is eligible to receive electronic food stamp cards. Families who receive food stamps may also receive replacement benefits for any food lost because of home damage or prolonged power outages.

The "Food for Florida" disaster relief program provides emergency food assistance after hurricanes and other disasters under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Florida distributed $270 million in emergency aid to more than 2 million people after Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

__ Online: www.myflfamilies.com