ORLANDO –
Since it first opened Thursday, the new FEMA Disaster Relief Center on 2250 Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, has seen hundreds of families sign up for federal financial assistance.
FEMA spokesman Peter Sessum told News 6 the agency has agents working seven days a week across Central Florida to get hurricane victims into the system.
“Over 2 million people have registered,” said Sessum. “We are closing in on a billion dollars in federal aid.”
The deadline for applications is Nov. 9, 60 days after Hurricane Irma hit Florida.
The demand for long-term federal loans has increased as well, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Karen Knapik, a spokeswoman for the SBA, told News 6 that in many cases, the agency has been able to meet the demand for loan requests to cover the 2 percent home insurance deductibles.
“Absolutely," she said. “We’ll give small loans for that. As long as people understand to come here, register with FEMA and walk through that process with SBA, we can help them.”
Knapik told News 6 both FEMA and the SBA make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Former State Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lisa Miller told News 6 the idea of paying the deductible makes good sense even if the damage doesn’t meet the full deductible.
“FEMA has said if you’re going to get any money from FEMA you have to file a claim," Miller told News 6. "Ratchet down your deductible so when the big one hits, and we hope it doesn’t, you’ve met your deductible for the year.”
In terms of cost impact, a $200,000 home with a 2 percent deductible will cost the homeowner a $4,000 dollar deductible.
Families coming to Florida from storm-ravaged Puerto Rico are eligible for benefits as well, according to Sessum.
“What they need to do is make sure they have all their paperwork,” Sessum told News 6. ”Take pictures of whatever damage; even video before they get on that plane. So that’s the bare minimum they should have.”
The Orlando FEMA Disaster Relief Center is open seven days a week from 8a.m. to 8p.m.
For more information go to: https://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance.