Mark Roman | September 15, 2017 | Articles
People all over Florida are trying to get their lives back to normal following Hurricane Irma. While no part of the Florida peninsula was unscathed, the Tampa Bay area fared better than many feared. Irma tracked a little further east than projected and weakened as it moved north, sparing our area the worst of the wind, rain, and storm surge.
Nevertheless, there was still major damage and disruption. There was (and is) flooding, particularly around the Anclote and Alafia Rivers. Falling trees blocked roads and damaged buildings and cars. Thousands of area residents still don’t have power. Supply chains have been affected, which means basics like gas, water, and groceries are still scarce.
Given that, it was welcome news when federal offices announced that all our bay area counties (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Hernando, and Manatee) are now eligible for federal disaster relief. Basically, this form of relief covers storm-related damage not covered by private insurance policies. It provides a helping hand for people who don’t have insurance at all, or for expenses insurance doesn’t cover.
People with insurance should file claims with their insurance company as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Although FEMA payments will not duplicate private insurance payments, receiving benefits from one will not preclude receiving benefits from the other.
FEMA assistance is not a loan; it does not have to be repaid. For people with losses not covered by insurance or FEMA, loans may be available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA offers low interest, long-term disaster loans to those eligible.
People seeking FEMA benefits should start by going to DisasterAssistance.gov and filling out an online questionnaire. People should have their social security number, phone number, mailing address, and private insurance information (if any) available when they fill out the application.
Within 10 days of filling out the application, one should expect a phone call from FEMA arranging an inspection time for your home. Given the number of people affected, this could be a slow process. The good news is that if you qualify, you will receive a check from FEMA, along with instructions on how you must use the money you receive. If you don’t qualify, FEMA will explain why, and give you information on how to appeal the decision.
We hope everyone gets back on their feet quickly in the days ahead. People with legitimate needs should not hesitate to seek the federal relief which will help them do it.
Contact the Clearwater Personal Injury Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Clearwater. We have five convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442