Volusia, Flagler County residents qualify for assistance after Hurricane Matthew

FLORIDA — Homeowners, renters and business owners who live in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties will now qualify for federal disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Association because of Hurricane Matthew.

The assistance will cover uninsured and underinsured damages and losses from the hurricane.

Residents can apply for the assistance online by clicking here, downloading the FEMA mobile app or calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.

Specialists from FEMA will also go into the affected communities to help people register for assistance, as well as opening a disaster-recovery center.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and that do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. Residents should contact their insurance company to file a claim, federal officials said.

New Smyrna Beach has 400 miles of private roads in Volusia County that are still littered with tree branches and debris from Hurricane Matthew.

FEMA said it'll reimburse communities 75 percent of the cost to clean up the mess.

New Smyrna Beach Mayor James Hathaway told Channel 9’s Janine Reyes that the mess is "An immediate threat to life, public health and safety.”

FEMA does not allow for debris collection on private property.

FEMA funds will not pay for anything covered by insurance or deductibles. The funds will, however, replace personal property.

Governor Rick Scott said in a statement:

“Since Hurricane Matthew impacted our state, I have traveled Florida’s east coast and met with affected families and businesses who are working hard to rebuild. I have seen homes destroyed from severe storm surge and flooding, and many businesses are just now able to reopen because they regained power and cleaned up damage.

"While it took more than a week for this federal funding to be designated in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties, I am glad to know that impacted families and businesses will now have access to these resources to help with their recovery process. I continue to urge President Obama to make these designations today in the remaining counties on our east coast.

"Florida is strong and resilient, and while we are making every resource available from the state, we need the federal government to be a good partner and help all of our families get back on their feet.”

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