FEMA and local assistance available for residents impacted by hurricanes Helene, Milton

FEMA and local assistance available for residents impacted by hurricanes Helene, Milton

Homeowners and renters who sustained damages or losses from Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Helene and have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide the dates of your most recent damage.

FEMA may be able to help residents with immediate serious needs, temporary lodging expenses and rental assistance. Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or at 1-800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.

What You'll Need When You Apply

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security numbers.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

FEMA Serious Needs Assistance helps pay for emergency supplies like water, food, immediate shelter, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation.

FEMA Displacement Assistance helps survivors who can't return to their home following a disaster by giving them up-front money for 14 days in a hotel at a locally approved rate. The assistance is a one-time payment. FEMA may provide up to 14 days of funds for temporary lodging at a hotel, motel, or the home of friends or family, for displaced applicants who apply during the registration period.

FEMA Rental Assistance helps survivors who are displaced from their home because of the disaster.

Disaster Recovery Centers

Pinellas County anticipates opening a Disaster Recovery Center in the coming days. DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery. More information will be announced soon.

Points of Distribution opening

The following Points of Distribution are distributing free pre-packaged meals and water to residents impacted by Hurricane Milton:

• Dunedin: City Hall, 737 Louden Ave. - Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily (self-serve - next to comfort station)
• Gulfport: 25th Ave. S. and Beach Ave. - Sat, Oct. 12 (until 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 12 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• Redington Shores: 18200 Gulf Blvd. - Daily (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
• Treasure Island: 1 Park Place (self-serve - next to comfort station)
• St. Pete Beach Community Center, 701 Boca Ciega Dr., - daily (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
• St. Pete:
  • Frank Pierce Recreation Center, 2000 7^th St. S. - Sunday, Oct. 13 (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
  • Childs Park - Childs Park Recreation Center - 4301 13^th Av. S. (Sunday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
  • Roberts Recreation Center, 1246 50^th Ave. N. (Sunday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

For the latest information on the ongoing recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, visit https://disaster.pinellas.gov or call the county information center from 8 a.m.