Those affected by Tropical Storm Debby can look to FEMA and the U.S Small Business Administration for help. Recovery centers are still available in several counties to aid victims of property and economic damage. And the Small Business Administration is offering fixed-interest loans to businesses and individuals. But FEMA spokeswoman Patricia Whitt says there is a Sept. 4 deadline to apply for assistance from both agencies.
"Federal assistance could be in the form of temporary housing or money for home repairs. They made need money for medical bills. They made need transportation," she says. "So we’re invitng anyone who has experienced any damage based on Tropical Storm Debby to apply with FEMA first."
Whitt says FEMA grants can help cover needs unmet by insurance.
Property and Economic assistance are available to Floridians the following counties: Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Franklin, Hernado, Highlands, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee, Union, and Wakulla
Economic assistance is also extended into Alachua, Charlotte, Citrus, Desoto, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okeechobee, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Saint Johns, and Sumter counties.
There are three ways to register:
- Call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY, call (800) 462-7585.
- www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- By smartphone or tablet, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov
Disaster Recovery Centers are available in the following counties:
The recovery centers are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
