Contact Points for Help After Storms Debby & Helene

We hope each of you made it through the two recent storms as safe as possible. For those that incurred damage from either storm, here are some links and contact points for possible help:

FL Division of Emergency Management: FloridaDisaster.org

FEMA: DisasterAssistance.gov

Florida Commerce Department Small Business Resources: FloridaCommerce

Disaster Recovery Centers

There is a Disaster Recovery Center that has been opened in Sarasota County at Sarasota Christian Church (2923 Ashton Rd).  It is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

These centers can help Floridians affected by both Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene. To find other 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.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance in Florida After Hurricane Helene

Florida homeowners and renters in 17 counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Homeowners and renters in Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties can apply.

If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby and have additional damage from Hurricane Helene, you will need to apply separately for Helene and provide the dates of your most recent damage. Apply for either storm online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800- 621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allows Floridians access to a wider range of assistance and funds for serious needs.
What You’ll Need When You Apply:
▪ A current phone number where you can be contacted.
▪ Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying. ▪ Your Social Security numbers.
▪ A general list of damage and losses.
Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4828
▪ Banking information if you choose direct deposit

Other helpful notes:

• Avoid Lido Beach: Storm recovery efforts are being disrupted by those trying to access the beach. If you do not have to be in the area, please stay away. All amenities at Lido Beach are closed and lifeguards are not on duty. The beach itself may have seen and unseen hazards.
• Preparation for Storm Debris Pickup: When placing storm debris curbside, please adhere to these rules to allow for pickup:
  • Do 𝐧𝐨𝐭 use plastic bags
  • Separate materials into 𝟑 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬:
    • Vege𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐬
    • 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐝 (e.g.: furniture, dry wall and other construction materials)
    • 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 (e.g.: electronics, refrigerators, ranges, washing machines, dryers, water heaters)
  • Place all materials at least 6-feet away from mailboxes, utility poles, fire hydrants etc., to allow collection equipment to pick up the materials.

Thanks to the City of Sarasota, the CCNA, and both candidates for the District 2 commissioner seat for sharing information with our Laurel Park neighborhood!