Tropical Storm Debby victims can get federal help

If your home or business suffered damage during Tropical Storm Debby, you may be able to apply for federal funds.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says victims in the following counties can apply now for federal disaster assistance:

• Hillsborough
• Pinellas
• Pasco
• Manatee
• Hernando
• Bradford
• Clay
• Columbia
• Franklin
• Highlands
• Suwannee
• Wakulla
• Baker

If you live in one of those counties and suffered losses or damages from Tropical Storm Debby, you can register with FEMA by one of the following methods:

• Call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Assistance is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
• Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• By smartphone or tablet, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

FEMA will ask for the following information:

• The telephone number where you can be reached;
• The address where you lived at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying;
• Your Social Security number;
• A general description of damage to your property and other losses;
• The name of your insurance company and policy number or agent if you have property insurance; and
• Your bank account routing information if you want FEMA to use direct deposit.

Federal disaster assistance helps eligible applicants with temporary housing, uninsured personal property losses, and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs. 

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA's website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.