In response to Hurricanes Helen and Milton, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell held a press conference in Punta Gorda on Friday, urging residents to register for disaster assistance as soon as possible.
She emphasized that people affected by either or both storms may have different recovery needs and it is essential to register for both.
“It’s important to register for both storms because their needs are different,” Criswell said. “If you have incurred costs from Helen, you can register now. This other declaration (Milton) will go through the system quickly.”
Criswell emphasized that FEMA evacuation assistance can help cover costs such as hotel stays, depending on specific losses, such as damage to homes, appliances, and major vehicles. It added that each family would be assessed based on the
“The first thing they need to consider is always insurance,” Criswell said. “But if you have uninsured expenses or were uninsured, our program can help accelerate your recovery.”
Criswell cited concerns about the capacity of disaster relief funds, saying that although the funds are limited, FEMA has sufficient resources to support the immediate needs of those affected by Helen and Milton. admitted that.
“It’s important to register for both storms because their needs are different. If you have a charge from Helen, you can register now and this other declaration (Milton) will also be in the system soon.”
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell at a briefing in Punta Gorda
“We’re getting a lot of questions about funding right now. The Disaster Relief Fund doesn’t have enough money to continue all of the recovery through the entire fiscal year, but I know that everyone affected We have enough funding to support our immediate needs,” she said.
Criswell assured that FEMA is evaluating the situation daily and will work with Congress to determine when additional requests for additional funds are needed.
Criswell also touched on flood insurance policies, announcing that National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders whose policies expired before the storm will be given an extended grace period to renew and continue to receive compensation.
“It’s an incredible opportunity,” she said, adding that lapsed policyholders can renew until Nov. 26 in Helen and Dec. 10 in Milton to get their flood insurance back on track. He explained that it was available.
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