LAKE CITY, Fla. – A disaster recovery center is scheduled to open Thursday for four days in Lake City to help Florida storm survivors, officials said.
The disaster recovery center is at the Richardson Community Center at 255 NE Coach Anders Lane in Lake City. Officials said hours are Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and
Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Recommended Videos
The location closes at 1 p.m. Sunday, officials said.
The centers offer in-person support to people and small business owners. Officials said recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the state of Florida will be available to provide assistance to anyone filling out their applications or updating their status.
Voluntary organizations are available and offer a variety of services to help survivors recover, officials said.
The state of Florida does not offer Food For Florida (Disaster SNAP/D-SNAP) at disaster recovery centers, officials said. A list of Food for Florida sites is available online.
Officials said people can find a center near them by clicking here or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, (TTY) 800-462-7585. Helpline numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. DRC information is also available on the FEMA app.
Officials said the registration process is the first step in recovery and requires information such as insurance policies and bank information for possible direct transfer of funds. Survivors are encouraged to register before visiting a disaster recovery center.
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest federal disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes, officials said. The SBA is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged property.
For those with phone and/or internet access, you can register in one of the following ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585. Information on the registration process is available in ASL here.
- Help is available in most languages.
- Download the FEMA app and apply.
Officials said you may have other needs while visiting a disaster recovery center:
- If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please see a DRC manager when you arrive.
- Language translations are offered through telephonic interpretation services in 200 languages.
Officials said Disaster Survivor Assistance crews are canvassing affected areas and are able to register survivors for FEMA assistance if needed. Telephonic Interpretation Services are available in many languages to assist survivors with language needs. When residents require further assistance, the teams may refer them to a disaster recovery center.
If those who have already registered, it is not necessary to visit a disaster recovery center, but officials said you may still want to go speak with a recovery specialist to update your status or find help from the other organizations.
FEMA grants do not have to be repaid, officials said. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
Officials said survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.
Click here for more recovery information or follow @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and on FEMA's Facebook page.