Ian: FEMA aid available now that Lake County is part of Federal Disaster Declaration area

Frank Stanfield
·2 min read

Lake County residents can apply for FEMA assistance for damage caused by Hurricane Ian now that officials have amended the Federal Disaster Declaration to include Lake.

Assistance could include temporary housing assistance, essential home repairs and other uninsured needs. The application process will begin soon.

To access assistance:

  • Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov

  • Use the FEMA mobile app

  • Call 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

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Evacuations: 10 Astor families evacuate; St. Johns River at flood stage

Other resources available for residents and businesses:

  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey. Fill it out at www.FloridaDisaster.biz.

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has included Lake in the disaster declaration. More about SBA Disaster Loans at www.sba.gov.

  • Lake County government staffers have been working to assess damage. Residents and businesses are encouraged to report storm damage by calling the Lake County Property Appraiser’s Office at 352-253-2150.

19 Florida counties are part of the Federal Disaster Declaration

Since Ian struck Florida, President Biden issued a disaster declaration that also makes federal funding available to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and residents in Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Biden said last Friday that Hurricane Ian is “likely to rank among the worst in the nation’s history” after producing devastation in Florida that will take “months – years – to rebuild.”

“America’s heart is literally breaking,” said Biden. “I just want the people in Florida to know we see what you’re going through and we’re with you, and we’re going to do everything we can for you.”

Hurricane Ian flooded my house: What do I need to do now?

The St. Johns River crested at 4.71 feet

Meanwhile, a flood warning from the National Weather Service continues to be in effect in the Astor area along the St. Johns River. The river crested at the historic flood level of 4.71 feet on Saturday, but the river levels are falling very slowly due to the flow of water from other areas.

“Levels will remain in Major Flood Stage into the weekend. A small increase in river levels will be possible through late week as northerly winds develop," NWS said in its Tuesday morning bulletin.

More about Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian at www.FloridaDisaster.org.

This story includes information from USA TODAY NETWORK

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Feds include Lake County in disaster area for Hurricane Ian