Florida’s insurance industry is bracing itself for claims potentially amounting to nearly $57 billion. These insurance claims estimates take into account damage caused by winds, storm surges, and floods. If estimates prove correct, Hurricane Ian might surpass Hurricane Andrew as the costliest storm in the state’s history. Insurance experts expect this hurricane will change the face of the insurance industry in Florida. Sadly, many residents do not possess extensive coverage, and others will have to wait until their home is habitable again. If Hurricane Ian has uprooted your life, consider these assistance programs to help get your life back on track.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Individuals affected by Hurricane Ian can apply for assistance through FEMA. The federal agency has deployed roughly 2,400 staff to areas affected by Hurricane Ian to provide several services for thousands of victims. FEMA ground efforts include large-scale feeding operations, medical attention, search and rescue teams, and helping individuals file for assistance. Individuals can file for countless assistance and relief programs offered through FEMA to guide them through this challenging time.
Hurricane Ian displaced thousands of individuals. If you require temporary shelter, FEMA provides rent and even a security deposit for eligible participants. Or FEMA can reimburse you if you have already paid for lodging. The agency also has an Individuals and Households Program, which aims to meet the basic needs of your household. Through this program, you can acquire relief for:
- Cover structural repairs to your home, such as windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, and utilities
- Medical and dental expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Replacement of clothing, educational materials, work tools, and household furniture and appliances
- Generator reimbursement
- Disaster-damaged motor vehicle replacement or repair
More than 83,000 residents have applied for FEMA-related assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. You can apply for FEMA assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices, or call toll-free 800-621-3362.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Numerous counties in Florida may be eligible for SBA disaster loans. There are a few different types of disaster loans, including:
- Home disaster loans – loans to homeowners and renters to repair or place disaster-damaged real estate and personal property
- Business Physical Disaster Loans – loans to business owners to repair or replace disaster-damaged business property, such as inventory, equipment, real estate
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans – working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations through the disaster recovery period
Apply online for an SBA loan or call 800-659-2955 if you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner affected by Hurricane Ian.
American Red Cross
More than 1,500 Red Cross volunteers have been working to assist Hurricane Ian victims with food, shelter, water, and health services. According to the Red Cross, more than 2,600 people stayed at the organization’s shelters Monday night. You can stop by a Red Cross shelter for a hot meal, phone charging stations, relief supplies, and prescription medication replacements. Also, there are many Red Cross shelters to seek refuge in if Hurricane Ian destroyed your home. To find available Red Cross shelters near you redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Other Hurricane Ian Relief Programs
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the Operation Blue Roof program, which will provide temporary roof repairs to homeowners so that their home is habitable and prevent further property damage. Residents in the counties of Lee and Charlotte may be eligible for this program starting October 3.
Also, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made several changes to accommodate food stamp recipients affected by Hurricane Ian. The department will allow individuals to put their benefits towards hot foods, access their October benefits early, and receive replacement benefits. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has instated a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages for those impacted by Hurricane Ian.