FEMA: Hurricane Sally Recovery Update, Nov. 5

KEY MESSAGES

• The deadline to register with FEMA for disaster assistance is Dec. 1, 2020. Don’t wait to apply. FEMA may be able to help.
• Dec. 1 also is the deadline to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans for physical property damage. The deadline for working capital applications is July 2, 2021.
• FEMA mobile centers in Northwest Florida continue helping Hurricane Sally survivors register for assistance, and many centers can scan documents into applicants’ files. Applicants do not have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA – they can mail, fax or submit documents online as well. Information on these options can be found in their FEMA letter. Locations of FEMA mobile centers are listed below.

How to register for FEMA assistance

Homeowners and renters in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties who had uninsured losses from Hurricane Sally may be eligible for federal disaster assistance from FEMA. You can register with FEMA in several ways:

• By visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA App for smartphones
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service. 

FEMA Mobile Centers Help With Registration, Document Scanning

If you need help registering, want information about disaster assistance or need to provide documentation to FEMA, you can visit one of FEMA’s mobile centers at these locations:

ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Brownsville Community Center, 320 W. DeSoto St., Pensacola, FL 32505
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

Lexington Terrace Community Center
700 S. Old Corry Field Rd., Pensacola, FL 32507
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

Escambia County Equestrian Center
7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

OKALOOSA COUNTY
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds
1958 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closes permanently Nov. 6
No document scanning

SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

Pensacola State College, 5988 U.S. 90, Milton, FL 32583
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

WALTON COUNTY
Freeport Regional Sports Complex, 563 Hammock Trail East, Freeport, FL 32439
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; closes permanently Nov. 7
Document scanning: Nov. 6-7

After you register

After you apply for federal disaster assistance, it is important that FEMA be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may appear to come from unidentified numbers and make sure that FEMA has your current contact information. FEMA may call to obtain more information for your application or to conduct a remote home inspection in order to be able to continue processing your application.

Applicants for FEMA assistance will receive a letter from FEMA by mail or email. It is important to read it carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide to you and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. You may need to submit additional information for FEMA to continue to process your application. If you have questions about the letter, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).

After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It is important to submit a disaster loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan. But failure to return the application will disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance, such as disaster-related car repairs, clothing, household items and other expenses.

By the numbers (11/4/2020)

• 5,252 individuals and households approved for $21.9 million in FEMA assistance, including:
  • $17.3 million approved for housing assistance
  • $4.6 million approved for other disaster-related needs
• 9,763 home inspections completed
• $36.4 million in SBA loans approved
• 4,410 claims filed with the National Flood Insurance Program; $60.3 million paid

DisasterAssistance.gov

Survivors are strongly encouraged to set up a disaster account with FEMA online.

• Go to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Select “Apply Online” and follow instructions. You will be asked for your Zip Code and connected to Hurricane Sally disaster assistance.
• A PIN will be sent to the email address on file. You can then log into your account.
• Documents can be uploaded in the Upload Center.

FEMA Public Assistance (PA)

Under the major disaster declaration, FEMA is authorized to provide Public Assistance for debris removal, emergency measures and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities such as roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities and parks for the following counties:

• Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington.

For guidance on debris removal processes, residents should contact their local government.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

Business owners, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help recover from losses not covered by insurance, grants or other services.

Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. Or they may email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

SBA is operating a Business Recovery Center at East Pensacola Heights Clubhouse, 3208 E. Gonzalez St., Pensacola, FL 32503. Business owners can meet with SBA representatives and get help with low-interest disaster loans. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339.

Resources

• Florida 211: The call goes to local helpline call centers that have counselors for disaster recovery and can provide information on access to local resources such as housing, food and health care. Dial: 211
• To file a Disaster Unemployment Assistance claim go to www.FloridaJobs.org or call 800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET (6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CT) to assist claimants. For DUA claim information, call 833-FL-APPLY (833-352-7759) and choose the “speak to an agent” option. Click here to find information on how to apply for DUA and Frequently Asked Questions. The deadline to apply is Nov. 6, 2020.
• Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services has resources for consumers seeking to file insurance complaints.
• Disaster Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income Hurricane Sally survivors with disaster-related legal needs. Call 866-550-2929.