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Hurricane Recovery

Hurricane Idalia photo from space

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Disaster Recovery Center

The DRC is open at the library from 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. seven days a week. Assistance includes help with FEMA, Small Business Association (SBA)  loans, support for social services and legal aid. 

The library is open regular hours. If you have an event scheduled at the library, please get in touch to confirm the availability of meeting rooms. 

D-SNAP

Pre-registration for D-SNAP (disaster food assistance) is open from September 22-28. Register online at https://myflfamilies.com/DSNAP. After signing up, you will need to complete a phone interview. In-person locations will also be announced.

FEMA disaster assistance

If your home or business was damaged, first contact your insurance company. If you are uninsured or have damage or losses that are not covered by insurance, register with FEMA at http://disasterassistance.gov to begin the process. You can also visit the DRC. Here is some of the support available to individuals:

  • Lodging expense reimbursement
  • Rental assistance for temporary housing
  • Home repairs
  • Other expenses incurred by the hurricane such as medical and dental expenses; occupational tools; educational materials; and storage
  • Cars and trucks damaged in the disaster
  • Reimbursement for generators purchased after the storm

Businesses may also qualify for assistance through the Small Business Association (SBA). A representative of the SBA is available at the DRC. 

Emergency Shelter

If your home is damaged due to the hurricane and you need emergency shelter, your first step is to apply for FEMA assistance. Emergency sheltering is also available through Florida Recovers.

Farm & livestock

Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) 863-993-5460. After hours number: 386-397-2732. Find out more about farm and agricultural resoruces related to Hurricane Idalia: click here.

Mental health

Hurricane Idalia Mental Health Support: HURRICANE IDALIA Emotional Support and Assistance for families, First Responders, and Community Members Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985 5990 Florida 2-1-1 Network Crisis Counselors National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 9-8-8 Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Redline Rescue redlineroscueoro Blueline Rescue bluelinerescue.org UCF Restores 1-407-823-1657 or ucfrestores.com 2nd Alarm Project 850-480-9314 or 2ndalarmproject.org FL Veterans Support Line 1-844-693-5838 Safe Call Now 1-206-459-3020

 

Submit your photos

The library collects photos about library disaster relief efforts for our archives and official reports. If you have a photo you would like to share, you can use this form to submit it.

Prevent fraud & scams

  • Follow official updates and local information from trusted sources.
  • Scammers may try to impersonate officials. Check ID and do not share your personal information.
  • Use only licensed and insured contractors.
  • Never pay a contractor with cash, wire transfers, or gift cards.
  • Price gouging after a hurricane is illegal.
  • Applying for FEMA assistance is free. Do not pay anyone for assistance with FEMA applications.

More information on hurricane scams: Federal Trade Commission

Prevent FEMA scams: Learn how to recognize FEMA fraud. Call 866-223-0814 to report suspected fraud related to FEMA.

Report price gouging and contractor scams:  Florida Attorney General