Hurricane Dennis: Relief Efforts Continue to Help Floridians 

Release Date: July 16, 2005
Release Number: 1595-010

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Response efforts continue in the Panhandle with federal, state and local officials expediting housing and rental assistance to victims of Hurricane Dennis.

Since the disaster declaration, 16,206 applicants have registered for assistance with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

More than 1,700 applications for rental, housing and other needs assistance have been approved totaling $1,961,622.24 by the close of business on Friday, July 15.

More than 2,100 individuals have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties within the first week of Hurricane Dennis.

As of today eight DRCs are open in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Franklin, Wakulla, and Okaloosa counties.

Individuals and business owners who suffered damage due to Hurricane Dennis may still register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at www.fema.gov. For the hearing and speech impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Residents may access temporary roofing assistance in several ways and are encouraged to call the roofing assistance intake line in their county.

They may also contact the local Disaster Recovery Center and complete a right of entry form so that their roofs can be assessed for appropriate action.

Voluntary agencies including AmeriCorps, the Christian Contractors Association and the United Way, are providing assistance to residents who have temporary roofing and repair needs. AmeriCorps volunteers have been assigned to help tarp roofs and assist where needed.

The first group of AmeriCorps volunteers has been assigned to help staff the Santa Rosa roofing assistance lines. Coordination efforts are under way to put another group to work repairing roofs in the Panhandle next week.

The Christian Contractors Association will provide team leadership and oversight for AmeriCorps roofing activities. FEMA and the State of Florida have released roofing materials to the Christian Contractors Association. The United Way is also providing assistance.

Meanwhile, additional FEMA and state community relations officers are moving throughout the affected areas, with more than 100 individuals distributing information on disaster assistance and advising people on how to get help.

Supplies of food, water and ice continue to be trucked in from staging areas to distribution centers throughout the Panhandle. The American Red Cross and other voluntary agencies are assisting with the food and water distribution as well as emergency needs and housing. For more information and the location of distribution centers call 1-866-GET INFO (438-4636).

At present, eight counties have been designated as eligible for Individual Assistance, releasing funds to homeowners and renters for repairs, temporary housing, and other needs. In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans for businesses, homeowners and renters. The eight counties are: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Wakulla, and Walton.

A Public Assistance declaration was issued for 13 counties, freeing funds for certain eligible costs related to debris removal and emergency services. The 13 counties are: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Monroe, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington.

Those wishing to donate commodities or volunteer their time to assist in response efforts may contact Volunteer Florida’s hotline at 1-800-FL-HELP1 (354-3571).

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Sunday, 17-Jul-2005 18:37:10