FEMA – Disaster Survivor Assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Helene

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are assisting the communities most impacted by Hurricane Helene (those who experienced water intrusion and inundation). These representatives are helping residents navigate the federal disaster assistance process by registering them via tablets.

The FEMA teams are already in our Lee County neighborhoods, so residents likely will see them out and about. They are working 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Some information FEMA asked us to share to help heighten community awareness:

• This is only the first step in the process. Representatives will not enter homes for any inspections. They are simply registering residents to get the ball rolling on the process.
• Residents are encouraged to ask for identification, as the FEMA DSA teams will need to take down personal information including social security number, annual income and bank information. Residents can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify that a FEMA visit is legitimate.
• DSA team will never ask for or accept money and will always be wearing a FEMA identification badge with a photograph.

Residents who want to apply for Individual Disaster Assistance from FEMA on their own without the help of DSA teams, have three ways to do so:

• Online at DiasterAssistance.gov
• By downloading the FEMA App
• By calling 800-621-3362