FEMA Update: October 24, 2024

​ Key Messages 

• DeSoto County is now eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance after Hurricane Helene. 
• FEMA’s Public Assistance program may provide assistance to faith-based organizations that provide essential social services to the public that were affected by Hurricanes Debby, Helene or Milton. 
• Houses of worship, whether they provide critical or essential social services, may submit a FEMA Request for Public Assistance. To learn more, visit FEMA Assistance for Houses of Worship | FEMA.gov. 
• Questions about the process can be answered by the local and/or state emergency manager. 
• A Disaster Recovery Center is now open at the W.H. Stuart Center in Polk County. 
• To date, FEMA has approved a total of more than $574.1 million to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:
  
  • $181.6 million approved for Hurricane Milton 
    
  • $349.2 million approved for Hurricane Helene 
    
  • $43.3 million approved for Hurricane Debby 
• 7,352 Households for a total of more than 17,902 people are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels. 

FAQ of the Day: Is my vacation home covered? 
No, FEMA can provide disaster assistance only for a primary residence. Second homes, vacation homes or homes used as vacation rentals (AirBnB/VRBO) do not qualify for FEMA assistance. 

FEMA is Hiring 
FEMA is hiring more than 600 local hire positions in Gainesville, Melbourne Beach, Sarasota and Tallahassee, Florida. Local Hire employees are typically local residents who aid in the recovery of their community and help fellow neighbors in the recovery process. Visit USAJobs.gov, type “Local Hire” in the keywords section and “Florida” for location. 

Operation Blue Roof 
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is installing fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs to damaged homes across affected Florida communities. The service is free and the initial sign-up period ends Nov. 5. Florida Residents affected by Hurricane Milton can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov, by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or by visiting a Right-of-Entry collection center throughout the affected areas. 

Disaster Recovery Centers 
Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hernando, Indian River, Madison, Manatee, Martin, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, St. Lucie, Suwanee and Taylor counties. Additional locations will continue opening in the coming days. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers. 

Transitional Sheltering Assistance 
FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for Floridians displaced by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton in 52 counties and for tribal members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians. Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. Applicants do not need to request TSA. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance. Survivors who have been approved for TSA can find hotel options here: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) 

Serious Needs Assistance 
Serious Needs Assistance is money to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. Serious Needs Assistance is available for survivors who apply during the first 30 days after a disaster is declared. If you don’t agree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal by showing why you need FEMA assistance. The decision letter you get from FEMA will have more information about the types of documents you should send. Learn more about Serious Needs Assistance. 

U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. SBA Business Recovery Centers are open in Hillsborough and Manatee counties. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
If you sustained damage or loss from Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.

• Quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Or use the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
• If you choose to apply by phone, please understand calls to FEMA’s helpline are experiencing delays because of the increased volume due to multiple recent disasters.

2024 Application deadlines: Hurricane Debby Nov. 12; Hurricane Helene Nov. 27; Hurricane Milton Dec. 11.
Additional Resources
Clean & Sanitize: FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup. Clean and Sanitize Assistance | FEMA.gov.
Multi-Agency Resource Centers: Florida Division of Emergency Management and local communities are establishing these centers to assist residents with storm recovery. FEMA specialists are available at most centers.
FEMA & Citizenship: You or a member of your household must be U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national or qualified non-citizen to apply for FEMA assistance.
Be Alert to Fraud: Con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after disasters. Be Alert to Fraud After Florida Hurricanes | FEMA.gov
FEMA Rumor Response: Know what’s true and what isn’t. Hurricane Rumor Response | FEMA.gov
Mental health resources for Floridians
For help with cleanup: Call 833-GET HOPE
Tips for Mold Cleanup
Florida Division of Emergency Management Updates: floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/storm-updates/
Disaster Legal Hotline: 833-514-2940