Help For Tornado Victims
February 8, 2006
Dear Floridian,
I was shocked, and saddened, when I saw first-hand the devastation wrought by the severe storms and tornadoes that struck Central Florida last Friday. As I told Governor Crist, we’ll do everything we can to help.
I want to make sure you’re aware of the kinds of assistance the federal government has for storm victims. If you've received this message and know of others who need help, please pass on this information.
Residents of Lake, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties are eligible for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. To apply, call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Or, you can use this link to apply online: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/register.shtm
I encourage you to register with FEMA as soon as possible to avoid any deadlines FEMA might impose. Also, contrary to reports, disaster victims don’t have to settle insurance claims before they can apply for federal aid. Floridians who have insurance will need to contact their insurer, but it isn’t necessary to do that before registering with FEMA.
Disaster Recovery Centers
FEMA has opened five Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRCs) in the area. Staff at the MDRC can give you more information about the different types of individual assistance available, including funding for rental assistance, transportation, and medical, dental, or funeral expenses to name a few. You can also learn about disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, disaster legal services, and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for individuals and all sizes of businesses. MDRCs are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week at the following locations.
Lady Lake
1985 Laurel Manor Drive and
38521 Lakeview Drive
DeLand
31039 Lake Mack Road and
1706 S. Woodland Boulevard
New Smyrna Beach
1212 Conrad Road
Taking Precautions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service (NWS) prepares and produces broadcasts that can keep you informed of impending inclement and dangerous weather. These broadcasts cannot be heard on a simple AM/FM radio receiver, but a comprehensive guide to purchasing a "weather radio" can be found online at http://www.weather.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm You can view the NWS weather updates for Florida online at http://www.weather.gov/alerts/fl.html
Please call my Orlando office toll-free in Florida at (888) 671-4091 or (407) 872-7161 Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. if I can assist you in any way during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Bill Nelson
U.S. Senator |