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    • What to Expect After the Impact of Hurricane Milton
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    What to Expect After the Impact of Hurricane Milton

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

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    Just over two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene left much of Florida’s Gulf Coast and regions of other southeastern states underwater and without power, claiming hundreds of lives.

    Now another major storm, Hurricane Milton, is approaching Florida’s Gulf Coast, where many residents still recovering from Helene have had to take a break and evacuate.

    Once the water recedes and help can reach those who need it, millions of dollars in insurance claims could be paid out in Milton’s hardest-hit areas. If you are uninsured or suspect you may need assistance from FEMA, here is a step-by-step guide on what to expect when registering.

    Here’s what to expect at each step of the FEMA disaster assistance registration process.

    What type of disasters does FEMA cover?

    According to its website, FEMA responds to all reported domestic disasters, regardless of whether those disasters are man-made or occurred naturally.

    According to FEMA’s website, more than 15 counties in Florida are currently experiencing a major disaster, making residents there eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

    Here is a list of some disasters FEMA covers:

    • Natural events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, storms, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, mudslides, blizzards or droughts
    • Fires, floods or explosions, regardless of cause
    • Biological disasters
    • Coastal storms
    • Dam or dike breaches
    • Severe ice storms
    • Straight wind
    • Typhoons
    • Winter storms

    FEMA disaster declarations in Florida

    There are no FEMA disaster declarations yet for Hurricane Milton in Florida because the storm has not yet made landfall. But there are still many people asking FEMA for help recovering from Hurricane Helene.

    “Florida homeowners and renters in 17 counties who suffered uninsured damage or loss from Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance,” FEMA announced in a Sept. 29 news release.

    “If you filed a claim with FEMA after Hurricane Debby and additional damage was caused by Hurricane Helene, you must file a separate claim for Helene and provide the dates of your most recent loss.”

    According to FEMA’s website, the following Florida counties are eligible to receive individual assistance due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene:

    1. Charlotte
    2. Citrus fruits
    3. Dixie
    4. Franklin
    5. Hernando
    6. Hillsborough
    7. Jefferson
    8. Lafayette
    9. lee
    10. Raise
    11. Madison
    12. Manatee
    13. Pasco
    14. Pinellas
    15. Sarasota
    16. Taylor
    17. Wakulla

    What are the steps of the FEMA process? What should you consider when applying for FEMA?

    “FEMA and its federal partners are looking forward and have resources in place to support local and state response efforts prior to landfall from Hurricane Milton,” FEMA said in a news release Tuesday.

    Here is FEMA’s step-by-step guide on how to apply for disaster assistance and what happens after registration:

    How to start your FEMA registration:

    • “Call the toll-free application number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at http://www.fema.gov. These are the ONLY ways to apply for assistance.”

    What to expect when registering:

    • “You will be asked to provide general information regarding your income, your insurance, and the damage to your residence and housing needs.”
    • “You will receive an application number that will help you find your file in the system. Write this number down so you can keep it safe and handy in the future.”

    A few days later:

    • “A FEMA inspector will call you to schedule a visit to your damaged home or apartment.”
    • “The FEMA inspector will come and look at the disaster-related damages under the FEMA program for individuals and households.”
    • “You will be asked to sign a document stating that you or someone in your household was a U.S. citizen, non-citizen or qualified alien at the time of the disaster. You will be required to provide identification.”

    Later:

    • “If you qualify for FEMA’s Individual and Household Program, you will receive a check in the mail or direct deposit to your bank, as well as a separate letter in the mail explaining how to take advantage of the assistance. You may receive additional funding from other programs later.”

    What can I spend FEMA money on?

    “Some disaster assistance does not have to be repaid, while other types of assistance can take the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details when you call,” FEMA says.

    According to FEMA’s step-by-step guide to disaster relief, these funds can be used for:

    • “These funds can be used for rental assistance if your home or apartment is uninhabitable due to the disaster.”
    • “You can use FEMA’s housing repair funds for essential repairs to make your home safe, sanitary and functional. These funds are intended for repairs necessary to make the principal spaces habitable.”
    • “You can use personal property funds for essential repairs or replacement of appliances and furniture.”

    What are the different types of FEMA disaster assistance?

    Here are the categories of assistance FEMA provides, according to its step-by-step guide:

    • Housing allowance: “Money for individuals to rent another apartment (or a temporary housing unit if rental properties are not available).”
    • Repair: “Money for homeowners to repair disaster damage not covered by insurance. The aim is to make the damaged house safe, hygienic and functional.”
    • Substitute: “In rare circumstances, there may be limited funds available to replace a home destroyed by a disaster.”
    • Other support needs: “Funds for essential and serious needs caused by the disaster that are not covered by insurance or other assistance.” This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation and other expenses approved by FEMA. You may need to apply for a low-interest SBA loan before receiving certain assistance.”

    How much can you get with an SBA disaster loan?

    Here’s what you should know about FEMA SBA loans and how much you may be entitled to:

    • “The US Small Business Administration (SBA) may send you a loan package after you apply for assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.fema.gov. It is very important that you complete the forms in this package and return them to the SBA as quickly as possible.“
    • “If you do not complete and return the SBA application, you may not be eligible for other types of assistance.”
    • “You can get one-on-one help completing the SBA loan package at any Disaster Recovery Center. For the nearest location, call the toll-free SBA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-359-2227.”
    • “Low interest rate SBA loans are available to renters, homeowners, business owners and nonprofit organizations that have suffered losses due to this disaster.”

    SBA loan limits:

    • “Homeowners may be eligible for a loan of up to $200,000 for property repairs.”
    • “Renters and homeowners can borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property damaged by the disaster.”
    • “Businesses can seek up to $1.5 million for damages not fully covered by insurance.”
    • “SBA loans are made to repair or replace real or personal property. You can also increase your loan up to 20 percent to put toward protective upgrades that can help prevent damage from occurring again.”

    How do I apply for $700 in assistance from FEMA?

    If you need immediate funds to pay for essential items, you may be eligible for a one-time immediate payment of $700 for Critical Needs Assistance.

    “Critical Needs Assistance is typically approved quickly because it is intended to assist with immediate needs such as water, food and fuel,” FEMA’s website says.

    “Examples of other types of assistance include assistance with temporary housing, financing home repairs, and emergencies that may not be covered by insurance and other sources of financial assistance.”

    Here’s what you’ll need when applying for assistance under the FEMA programs:

    • A current telephone number where you can be reached.
    • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now.
    • Your social security number.
    • A general list of damages and losses.
    • Bank details if you choose direct deposit.
    • If insured, the insurance number or the name of the agent and/or company.
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    Caradoc Wyn
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