The deadline to apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is fast approaching. Individuals and businesses, who suffered damages as a result of Hurricane Irma, have until November 9 to register with FEMA for possible disaster assistance. Assistance may be available to residents within any of the 48 individual assistance designated Florida counties, even if they have insurance.
Applicants should register online at www.disasterassistance.gov. There is also a Lee County Disaster Recovery Center where people can register in person and receive assistance with registration. The Disaster Recovery Center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and is located at the Bonita Springs Recreation Center, 26740 Pine Avenue, Bonita Springs. Registration can also be completed by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. It is not necessary to wait for insurance settlements or a contractor’s estimate before registering for assistance.
Low-interest disaster loans are also available from the SBA and should be considered for rebuilding and repair of disaster-damaged property for uninsured or under-insured losses. SBA loans are available to homeowners, renters, private nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes. Registration with FEMA should be completed first and application for a SBA loan can be completed online at disasterloan.sba.gov/
