Recovery Checklist
Step-by-Step Check List for Floridians to Recover Following Hurricane Ian
Quick Links and Phone Numbers:
Disaster Recovery Centers – Floridians can visit a local Disaster Recovery Center that have state, local and federal agencies in a one stop shop that can help with FEMA individual assistance, SBA Loans, drivers’ licenses, and any of the needs listed below in the step-by-step process.
State Assistance Information Line
1-800-342-3557
Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990
Disaster Legal Hotline
1-866-550-2929
Elder Helpline
1-800-963-5337
Price Gouging Hotline
1-866-966-7226
Steps for Florida Families to Take:
Step 1:
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. Make sure to include high water marks.
Contact Crisis Clean-up at 1-800-451-1954 if you need assistance.
Step 2:
Call your insurance provider or visit an insurance village to start claims & keep a log of all calls.
Step 3:
Apply to FEMA – Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), go to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.
If you have an IMMEDIATE CRITICAL NEED you can apply for Critical Needs Assistance (a one-time $700 payment) with FEMA. Please note that you have critical needs in your FEMA application. Critical needs are lifesaving and life-sustaining items such as food, water, medication, infant formula and more.
If you have applied for FEMA assistance and your home is unlivable, you may be eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance. This program offers temporary & short-term accommodations for eligible residents. FEMA will notify you via phone call, text or email if eligible.
If you do not qualify for FEMA assistance, visit: floridahousing.org
Step 4:
Begin the clean-up process. Sort debris into piles – vegetative debris, hazardous waste, construction debris, household garbage, large appliances, electronics. Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury
Volunteers may be able to assist – Contact Crisis Clean-up at 1-800-451-1954
Step 5:
If you have roof damage, you can apply for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Blue Roof Program. Call toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) or visit blueroof.us.
Step 6:
Apply for food assistance. Florida families impacted by Hurricane Ian in need of food assistance benefits can visit myflfamilies.com/DSNAP for more information on the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Step 7:
Complete COA request if applicable. Residents who will not be able to occupy their home within 30 days should submit a temporary Change of Address (COA) request with the U.S. Postal Service at moversguide.usps.com or visit your nearest available Post Office. Be sure to mark “Temporary” on the card/online form. A temporary change of address is designed for residents who plan on returning to their residence within six months. Residents who are not planning to return to their current address should submit a permanent COA request.
Step 8:
Apply for Unemployment Assistance. If you are out of work due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian you can visit floridadisaster.biz or a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). If you need additional assistance with applying for DUA, call 1-800-385-3920. DUA Customer Service Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. EST.
Steps for Florida Businesses to Take Following a Hurricane:
Step 1:
Take pictures of your business and any storm related damage – this will be helpful when filing insurance claims and seeking disaster relief from several state and federal organizations.
Step 2:
Take the Business Damage Assessment Survey: Businesses that were impacted by Hurricane Ian are urged to take the businesses damage assessment survey and provide information on damage and losses. By receiving responses to this survey, the state is able to tailor assistance to the areas that need it most. To take the survey, visit floridadiaster.biz.
Step 3:
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Local facilities that are staffed with state and federal agencies are available and can help businesses access resources to recover following a hurricane. Small Business Development Council representatives will also be on site to help guide you through the next steps to get back on your feet. To access this help, visit a disaster recovery center or a small business disaster center that can found here: floridasbdc.org/locations
Step 4:
Apply for Emergency Bridge Loans: Small Businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian can apply for short-term, zero-interest loans. $50 million in loans are available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian. To apply visit floridadiaster.biz.
Step 5:
Apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Economic injury disaster loans are available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations that have suffered substantial economic injury due to Hurricane Ian. These loans provide working capital and cover normal expenses such as the continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. To apply for the loan visit disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.
