Don't be surprised if you see FEMA and SBA representatives going through flood affected areas. So what kind of help can they offer Debby's victims?
FEMA offers grant money that can help storm victims get back on their feet. It is important to note, it probably can't grant you enough money to rebuild your entire home. Instead Anne Waggoner with FEMA says the goal is to help storm victims begin the recovery process.
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Waggoner says the first goal of FEMA is to get people into safe, sanitary housing as quickly as possible.
FEMA can help pay for housing for renters for up to 30 days and homeowners for 90 days. Waggoner says FEMA can also help storm victims with counseling, unemployment and even legal services, but you have to register with them first.
Call 1-800-621-FEMA, but when you call make sure you have your insurance policy with you.
"The insurance policy may not cover everything and that is where FEMA steps in to help. If you are uninsured or underinsured, they can help you at that point," says Waggoner.
In addition to FEMA, you could also get help from the Small Business Administration. It offers loan money to businesses, but it can help homeowners and renters as well.
There is an important difference between FEMA and the SBA. FEMA provides grants, the SBA provides loans. The SBA can help when your insurance and FEMA grant money isn't enough to build back your home.
The SBA provides low interest loans for homeowners of up to $200,000 and renters of up to $40,000. Once you apply for the loan, you are not obligated to take it.
"If they apply for the loan and they are not accepted for the loan, then they are referred back to FEMA where there could be additional grant assistance," says Richard Daigle, a public affairs specialist with the SBA.
To speak to representatives from the SBA and FEMA you can go in person to any disaster recovery center. You can also visit their websites at
www.sba.gov and
www.disasterassistance.gov. You can call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA.
First Coast News