Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell told Florida residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton that the agency is encouraging them to submit two separate applications for disaster assistance, acknowledging that coastal residents may be affected by the back-to-back storms would have to contend with higher costs.

Criswell also said Gov. Ron DeSantis has already submitted his request to expedite the disaster declaration for Hurricane Milton. Specifically, FEMA assistance for Hurricane Milton cannot be applied for until this happens.

FEMA is also extending a grace period for affected individuals to renew their national flood insurance plans.

Criswell spoke from Punta Gorda, where storm surges have caused significant damage throughout the marina and virtually all businesses remain closed.

“If you were an individual impacted by both events, I encourage you to register for each of these events as you may have incurred different expenses and costs as a result of these storms.”

“They need to sign up for assistance,” she continued, “for both storms because they have different needs for each storm and the dates they needed things will be important in that.”

Criswell said the agency extended a grace period for those with National Flood Insurance Program policies that expired before the storms to renew those policies to cover damage caused by a hurricane.

Those with expired policies have until November 26th for Helene-related claims and December 10th for Milton-related claims to renew their plans.

“I was here to see firsthand the impact,” Criswell said. “I know the governor has already submitted his request for an expedited disaster declaration for Hurricane Milton. We will get this through our system as quickly as possible.”

• • •

5 things forecasters say you should know about the 2024 hurricane season.

Meteorologists are predicting an “extremely active” 2024 hurricane season. Here’s why.

Could flood insurance go up in Tampa Bay after a hurricane? A warning about Hurricane Ian

Want to know which areas in Tampa Bay are flooding? Here’s where to look.

Checklists for building all types of storm kits.