ATLANTA (CBSMiami) – More than 10 thousand people have asked about federal aid for losses from Tropical Storm Debby, with over $15 million paid out by the feds to date.
FEMA, The Federal Emergency Management Agency, said so far 3300requests for aid or information have been approved, including many people forced from their homes by Debby’s flooding rains.
The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of July 20:
3,314 households have already been approved for FEMA grants that assist with housing and personal property loss.
$12.3 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance, home repair and replacement costs.
$1.6 million approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
$1.4 million approved for SBA loans to help repair homes and replace property.
7,173 home inspections completed.
4,560 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
Much of the damage to homes was caused by flooding, which is not covered by standard homeowners insurance, meaning traditional sources of help are closed to people without federal flood insurance.
People who have insurance are urged to apply for help because they may be underinsured. They can use any of the following methods:
By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
Online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.
Businesses that need help may contact the U.S. Small Business Administration directly at the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply.
