Palm Coast Times

December 21, 2022 – Flagler County residents who suffered impacts from both Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole will be required to submit separate disaster assistance applications, per federal policy. Application deadlines for Ian are approaching in mid-January. Deadlines for Nicole are in mid-February.

“When two or more disasters are declared in the same state, FEMA ensures survivors receive all eligible assistance while preventing a duplication of federal benefits. They do this, in part, by requiring a separate application for each disaster,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “If you have property damage or loss from Ian, and then received additional damage or loss as a result of Nicole, then you will need to complete two separate disaster assistance applications.”

FEMA emphasizes that loss claims for Ian must have been caused by Hurricane Ian and, likewise, loss claims for Nicole must have been caused by Hurricane Nicole. Claiming the same storm damage for each hurricane is called a “duplication of benefits” and it’s illegal.

“FEMA is operating a Disaster Recovery Center here in Flagler County to help residents sort it all out,” Lord said. “It is likely that the facility will remain open until at least the middle of January, and probably longer.”

Residents who have limited internet access – or prefer to apply in person – can visit the Disaster Recovery Center, which is located in a large tent near the arena in the center of the Flagler County Fairground property, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The center will be closed for the holidays December 23 through 26 and again December 30 through January 2.

Individuals and households in Flagler County can apply online for FEMA Individual Assistance, which may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs and certain other uninsured disaster-related needs. Links to available resources, including FEMA assistance, can be found at www.FlaglerCounty.gov/Nicole.

FEMA recommends separating the records that document the damages and related expenses caused by Hurricane Ian from those records for Hurricane Nicole, but to keep both files in a safe place. Keep insurance settlements, or denial information, for each hurricane.

“All disaster-caused damage is verified by comparing FEMA inspection reports, appeal letters, and documents submitted to support appeals – including estimates and receipts,” the release states.

According to a FEMA news release, examples of items that the agency may provide financial assistance to repair or replace, because of the hurricanes include:

• Windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets
•     
• Septic system, private well, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVAC), private roads and bridges
•     
• In certain cases, appliances and transportation

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance directly at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or by using the FEMA mobile app. Those who use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, will need to provide FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

Also, stay up to date by following @FlaglerEOC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as staying updated at the Emergency Management website at www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency.

 Original source can be found here.