Hurricane Irma Aftermath: Disaster Aid Resources
As a result of the damage caused by Hurricane Irma, every county in SECO Energy’s service territory is eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs. Local, state and federal officials have allocated funds to rebuild Florida. The programs provide financial assistance to eligible applicants affected by Irma. Please, contact the appropriate agency for your situation.
FEMA Individual Assistance: FEMA made every county in our service territory – Lake, Marion, Sumter, Hernando, Citrus, Pasco and Levy – eligible for Individual Assistance. Steps to begin applying:
- Residents who sustained losses should register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- If you do have Internet access, register by calling 1-800-621-3362
- The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), call 1-866-487-2365. To be eligible, individuals must:
- Not be eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI);
- Be unemployed as a direct result of the disaster;
- Be able and available for work, unless injured as a direct result of the disaster;
- File an application within 30 days of the date of announcement of DUA availability;
- Have not refused an offer of employment in a suitable position.
Information for Small Businesses: Governor Scott has re-started the Florida Small Business Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses affected by Irma. The program is intended to provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that have sustained physical or economic damage. The application period runs from September 14, 2017 to October 31, 2017. To complete the application or find more information, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. Reach the Florida Small Business Development Center Network – which runs the loan program – at 1-850-898-3489.
Flood Insurance:
-
- If you have a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood policy, you may be eligible for reimbursement of actions taken to protect your property. Call your insurance agent to learn more.
- To file a flood insurance claim under the NFIP, contact your insurance agent immediately. You may also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
If you need help with utility payment, contact Florida 2-1-1. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.
