Flagler County, FL – Flagler County officials have released important information regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Center and FEMA eligibility.
The Flagler County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is now closed; however, Putnam County has opened their own facility. The Putnam Disaster Recovery Center is located at the Putnam County Fairgrounds located at 118 Fairgrounds Road, East Palatka. The Center, located roughly 18 miles from Bunnell, will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM through Sunday, October 29.
“We know we have residents in Flagler who are still in need of services,” said Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager, Sally Sherman. “It’s pretty much a straight shot if you drive west on State Road 100. We encourage you to take advantage of the center.”
The deadline for FEMA “Individual Assistance” and U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans is on Thursday, November 9. You can register for FEMA
here, and you can call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY users) for help.
“While the Federal Emergency Management Agency was operating a Disaster Recovery Center at the Flagler County Library Main Palm Coast Branch last week (October 17-22), more than 1,400 specific needs were met by participating agencies,” said Flagler County Human Services Program Manager, Janet Nickels.
In Flagler County:
- FEMA helped 464 residents with applications, questions, updates, and corrections
- The Small Business Association received 79 loan applications
- 52 residents were assisted with Flagler County State Housing Initiatives Partnerships (SHIP) program applications and questions about home repair
- 340 people were helped with other SHIP concerns
- 292 residents were interviewed by the Flagler County Social Services Department
- 160 residents applied for Disaster-SNAP (food stamps)
- 45 applications regarding help for debris removal, mucking and tarping were turned into Flagler Volunteer Services
If you were turned down by FEMA for disaster assistance, Flagler County officials want you to know that it is not “the last word.” If you received a determination letter from FEMA, make sure to read the letter very carefully as some issues are easy to correct.
If you were uninsured or suffered uninsured losses, you can appeal the decision within 60 days if you can submit insurance settlement paperwork. If there has been a mistake, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY users) or visit a Disaster Recovery Center immediately.
“Don’t just accept the initial response, because every resident has the right to appeal any decision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),” said Sherman. “These appeals can relate to eligibility, the amount of help provided, a late application, a request to return money, or continuing help.”
If you wish to appeal, send your appeal letter containing your reason why the ineligibility or amount is incorrect, full name, 9-digit FEMA registration number, 4-digit disaster number (DR-4337), and the date of the appeal. Letters should be sent to:
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
Photo courtesy Mike Focus and Shutterstock.com.
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