Hurricanes Frances And Charley Daily Summary For September 16, 2004
Release Date: September 16, 2004
Release Number: 1539-118
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- There are now 22 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) open and operating across the state to help victims of hurricanes Charley and Frances as they recover.
“We and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are committed to helping the Florida citizens who are still repairing and rebuilding from the first hurricanes,” said Craig Fugate, state coordinating officer for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT). “We and our federal partners will be here for them as long as it takes.”
Residents are encouraged to use their FEMA guides, the Internet and the DRCs to get information after they have registered with FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The Helpline is for people who have already registered to find the status of their application and get answers to various questions but is currently experiencing a record number of calls.
“Because of the heavy demands on the Helpline,” said Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “we are asking that residents with only minor losses, owners of commercial property, and those who are able to start the recovery process just wait a few days before calling that number.”
Carwile explained the other options for finding answers to frequently asked questions. People who have already registered are asked to try these options before calling the Helpline.
First, people who have already registered will get a guide in the mail, “Help After a Disaster,” that will answer many of their questions. The Helpline staff is not able to evaluate anyone’s case until an inspector has come to that person’s home or business and evaluated the damage.
Second, those who have access to the Internet can get answers to many frequently asked questions from www.fema.gov.
Third, the 22 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) now open in the areas affected by Charley and Frances can offer help. They include seven centers in Charlotte, De Soto, Hardee, Lee and Polk counties. Also, four new DRCs opened today in Brevard, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Sarasota counties. Residents are able to get answers to questions at those centers, which are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Space and staff in some of these centers are also limited, as the DRCs continue to handle a high volume of visitors.
Farmers and ranchers looking for disaster aid related to farm buildings, farm equipment and crops should call their county office of the Farm Service Agency.
Florida registrations for assistance from FEMA totaled 399,602 at the close of business Wednesday, an increase of 20,618 from the day before.
Assistance to Florida hurricane victims has reached more than $201 million, up $14 million since the day before. To date, $116 million in housing assistance has been approved for residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
Those damaged by both hurricanes Charley and Frances may register for assistance under both disaster declarations. People already registered for Charley who suffered additional damage from Frances must call again for a review of new damages. Those who get a busy message are encouraged to be persistent and try their call again in several hours.
Another resource for those needing to speak to a counselor is the Project Hope hotline, 1-866-518-1825. Staff members experienced with the emotional impacts of disasters may be able to offer useful help. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More than $86 million in state and federal assistance has been approved to replace essential personal property and meet other uninsured needs.
To date, 153,694 housing inspections have been completed.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $50 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses.
Twenty-six counties are now eligible for additional categories of aid to local governments under Hurricane Frances, bringing to 44 the number of counties eligible for such assistance under both hurricanes. The additional categories include aid for the repair or reconstruction of roads, bridges, public buildings, and certain private, non-profit facilities.
A total of 8.9 million cubic yards of debris has been cleared.
To donate or volunteer services, disaster officials encourage people to visit a special website designed to coordinate voluntary efforts, located at www.volunteerflorida.org. This website provides opportunities to register as a volunteer and offers goods and services that can be matched to victims’ needs. It also includes a list of items urgently needed and a list of agencies accepting cash donations. Those without internet access may call 1-800-FLHELP1 (1-800-354-3571).
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is a collaboration of Florida’s emergency management agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’s mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impact. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief effort.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 16-Sep-2004 17:00:26