FEMA Opening Palm Harbor Disaster Recovery Center

PALM HARBOR, FL – People still seeking federal assistance in the wake of Hurricane Irma can now find assistance in Palm Harbor.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center in a strip mall at 2431 Tampa Road in Palm Harbor. The center is expected to close at the end of October, but the actual date will be determined by public response.

FEMA Disaster Survival Assistance Teams, which help survivors register for assistance, will appear at several community centers to assist residents and work with staff members to help them gain a better understanding of the disaster registration an assistance process:

The Disaster Survival Assistance Teams will be at the following centers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• Friday, Oct. 13: Tarpon Springs Shepherd Center, 304 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs
• Monday, Oct. 16: Lutheran Services, 7901 Fourth St. N., Unit 308, St. Petersburg
• Tuesday, Oct. 17: Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, 2113 16th St. N., St. Petersburg

A Disaster Recovery Center acts as a one-stop shop for eligible storm survivors who seek one-on-one help. Representatives from FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the U.S. Small Business Administration and state agencies will be on-hand to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and renters. Agents will also help them apply for assistance.

FEMA Disaster assistance applications often includes a referral to the SBA for a low-interest loan, even if the applicant does not think they need a loan. If approved, there is no obligation to take the loan. If not approved, they may be eligible for additional FEMA disaster assistance.

Further disaster assistance may include grants to help renters and homeowners pay for temporary housing, personal property replacement, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Residents and businesses do not need to apply for assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center. Visit www.disasterassistance.gov or register via the FEMA app. The app is available for download through the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching for FEMA.

Residents can also register by calling (800) 621-FEMA but are advised to call early or late and be prepared for long on-hold times.

For updates on Hurricane Irma recovery efforts in Pinellas County, visit www.pinellascounty.org or county social media accounts and search #PinellasIrma.

Image courtesy of FEMA/Kenneth Wilsey