Post-Hurricane Resources: Federal, State, And Local Aid for Recovery

ALACHUA – In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, residents across the state, including those in Alachua and surrounding counties, are beginning the recovery process. Assistance is being provided by federal, state, and local agencies to help those affected by the storm. Here is a breakdown of the key resources available to residents:

Federal Resources: FEMA Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated its disaster assistance program to provide relief to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Milton. Residents can apply for financial assistance for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses.

• How to Apply: Visit the FEMA website at disasterassistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app.
• Disaster Assistance Centers: FEMA has and will set up Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in affected areas, including Alachua County, where residents can speak directly with FEMA representatives.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans: Low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses are available through the SBA for those needing to rebuild or repair their property. Visit the SBA’s website or call 1-800-659-2955 for more information.

State of Florida Resources

Emergency Relief and Health Services

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is coordinating statewide efforts to ensure residents receive the necessary support in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. The state has activated the following resources:

• Florida Disaster Fund: The state’s official private fund provides financial assistance to communities recovering from the storm. Residents can apply for assistance or donate to the fund via VolunteerFlorida.org.
• Temporary Shelters and Housing: The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is working with local organizations to provide temporary shelters and food assistance. For information on available shelters, visit the DCF website or call 2-1-1 for local resources.
• Early Prescription Refills: Under the state of emergency, Florida residents are eligible for early prescription refills. The Florida Department of Health reminds residents to refill necessary medications, including those for chronic conditions, to ensure adequate supply during recovery.

Alachua County Resources

Local Support and Information

Alachua County and local municipalities have been working to support residents as recovery begins. The county has activated several key services to help the community rebuild:

• 311 Emergency Information Line: Residents can call 311 for non-emergency information, including details on local shelters, recovery services, and debris removal. If 311 is unavailable in your area, call 352-264-6557.
• Debris Removal Services: The county, along with several municipalities, have arranged for debris removal services, with priority given to areas with significant storm damage. Residents are encouraged to separate household debris, vegetation, and hazardous materials. Information on debris collection schedules can be found on the Alachua County website.
• Sandbag Distribution and Cleanup Supplies: Alachua County is continuing to offer self-service sandbag stations for residents dealing with localized flooding, as well as cleanup supplies at designated locations.
• Mental Health Support: For those dealing with the emotional toll of the storm, Alachua County is providing free counseling services in partnership with local mental health organizations. Call 352-374-5600 for access to support services.

Additional Tips

Residents should stay informed through official communication channels such as FEMA alerts, Florida 511 traffic updates, and Alachua County text alerts by texting ALACHUA to 888-777. Additionally, individuals should:

• Keep Records: Document all storm-related damage with photos and receipts, which will be critical for insurance claims and FEMA assistance.
• Beware of Scams: Only work with licensed contractors and avoid fraudulent offers of repairs or services. Verify contractor licenses via the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website.

Stay Connected

For continued updates on recovery efforts and available resources, residents are urged to monitor local news outlets, social media channels from official agencies, and government websites. Working together with federal, state, and local authorities, residents can take full advantage of the resources available to rebuild and recover after Hurricane Milton.

For more information on disaster relief resources, visit FEMA.gov, FDEM’s website, or the Alachua County Emergency Management page.

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