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Thursday, March 28, 2024

FEMA, Partners Helping Hurricane Michael Survivors

FEMA and other federal agencies are working alongside state and local responders and volunteers from national and local nonprofit organizations to aid survivors of Hurricane Michael.

News and Resources for Survivors        

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are on the ground in Florida and Georgia helping survivors register for assistance. Survivors can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, at a shelter or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). FEMA will contact all registered survivors to let them know if they are eligible for assistance. FEMA is not writing checks to survivors at any location.

So far, more than 48,000 people in Florida and 9,000 in Georgia have contacted FEMA for information about disaster assistance. While FEMA cannot make Michael survivors whole, FEMA can provide assistance that helps them begin the recovery process. FEMA is not writing checks to survivors at any location.

Some survivors may receive an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U. S. Small Business Administration. Survivors who receive an application should complete those applications as they may lead to other forms of assistance. SBA applications can also be done online.

Distribution sites are providing meals, water and other items in areas where stores are not open, or where supplies are limited.

  • More than 281,000 meals have been provided to Florida survivors; residents can find information about food and water locations by visiting FloridaDisaster.org.
  • Information on locations in Georgia can be found on the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security agency website.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a result of Hurricane Michael.

  • To file a Disaster Unemployment Assistance claim, go to www.FloridaJobs.org or call 1-800-385-3920.

National Dislocated Worker Grant funding is available to help Florida assess its workforce needs due to significant job losses caused by Hurricane Michael. This funding assists the state and local governments to expand service capacity of dislocated worker training and employment programs.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in Florida will be allowed to purchase hot foods temporarily thanks to a waiver from USDA. USDA also launched a disaster assistance discovery tool through Farmers.gov to provide information to farmers about disaster assistance programs.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Disaster Distress Helpline is available to help survivors cope with stress. To speak with a trained crisis counselor, call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (for Spanish, press 2 or text Hablanos to 66746).

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has activated the National Pharmaceutical Pharmacy Disaster Network Plan. Veterans impacted by Hurricane Michael who require an emergency supply of medications can access retail pharmacies. Call 1-855-574-7288 for more information.

Read more at FEMA

FEMA, Partners Helping Hurricane Michael Survivors Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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