ORLANDO, Fla. –From Pensacola on the west end of the Panhandle to Key West, Hurricane Irma has had a severe impact across the state of Florida.
A combined federal, state, local, and private sector response resulted in restoration of power to 99.9% of the population within 10 days of landfall. At peak, there were some 60,000 utility linemen in the state. Fuel depots were established around the state that provided gas to first responders and utility workers, allowing them to continue working uninterrupted.
As we move into recovery, FEMA, state and local governments are committed to assisting Floridians in rebuilding their lives after the storm. Registering with FEMA is the first step in beginning the recovery process. Nearly 2.4 million homeowners and renters who suffered damage as a result of Hurricane Irma have already registered. The deadline to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for possible federal disaster assistance is Nov. 9.
In the one month since the major disaster declaration in Florida, the recovery continues. Here is a look at whole community progress made through the efforts of tireless emergency workers, volunteers and community organizers.
$847 million |
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$494 million for housing $245 million for other needs | Individuals eligible for assistance received more than $494 million for housing assistance and more than $245 million for other needs. |
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4,536 roofs |
Operation Blue Roof, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program FEMA tasks in disasters, placed plastic sheeting over the damaged area of 4,536 home roofs to help prevent further damage. |
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18,000 referrals | FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews made nearly 18,000 referrals to non-profit programs serving individuals and communities of Florida, including the 211 telephone-based service, faith-based and affiliated charities, American Red Cross, aging services, crisis counseling and veteran’s services. |
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6.7 million total meals | More than 6.7 million meals have been provided by volunteers. Among them were American Red Cross members who provided nearly 1.2 million meals and snacks. |
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65,654 survivors | Disaster Survivor Assistance teams met face-to-face with 65,654 survivors to assist them in registering and obtaining information about resources and assistance. |
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2.4 million | Nearly 2.4 million survivors have applied to FEMA for disaster assistance. |
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216,528 housing inspections |
216,528 FEMA housing inspections, an essential part of the recovery process, have been completed.
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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan.
However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.