FEMA offers updates on hurricane recovery in state

 

FAQ of the Day: Does FEMA issue vouchers for Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels?

No, FEMA does not issue vouchers for hotel or motel stays. FEMA will contact residents in eligible counties who have applied for disaster assistance to notify them they are eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. Survivors who have been approved for TSA can find hotel options here: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA). Survivors should have their 9-digit FEMA registration number ready to enter on the webpage to search for available hotels and follow next steps for check-in. It is important to call the hotel first to confirm availability. TSA is limited to the cost of the room rates, taxes and pet charges. All other services, amenities, fees, or charges are the responsibility of the applicant.

 

To date, FEMA has approved a total of more than $871.4 million to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:

$357.1 million approved for Hurricane Milton

$468.2 million approved for Hurricane Helene

$46.1 million approved for Hurricane Debby

14,643 Households for a total of more than 35,908people are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels.

5,068 Blue roofs have been installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

 

• 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 sign-up period has been extended to Nov. 14. 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 area.
• Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Hernando, Madison, Manatee, Martin, Orange, Pasco, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Taylor counties. 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. Some centers will close temporarily for election polling. Announcements will be made. 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.
• 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.
• 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. Three SBA Business Recovery Centers are open. 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.