Post Irma update, FEMA, gift cards, roof damage

Post Irma update

, FEMA, gift cards, roof damage

Bev Smith Automotive Group is in the process of handing out $10,000 worth of Home Depot gift cards to people. The cards are worth $25 each. They’re being distributed at three different locations. The giveaway began on Saturday. The 400 gift cards are being divided up and handed out on a first come, first-served basis at Bev Smith Toyota on US1 in Fort Pierce, Bev Smith Kia on US1 in Fort Pierce, and Bev Smith Kia on Federal Highway in Stuart.

Martin and St Lucie counties have been designated as disaster areas.

St. Lucie County has been declared as a disaster area for Individual Assistance. All residents are encouraged to register for assistance, even if they do not see immediate damage, as once the deadline passes – residents will not be able to file for or receive assistance after the fact. Residents can register for assistance by visiting: www.disasterassistance.gov.

Residents that need help with the online filing process for FEMA assistance can visit the following St. Lucie County locations:

  • St. Lucie County Community Service, 437 North 7th St., Fort Pierce; Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Lakewood Park Branch Library, 7605 Santa Barbara Drive, Fort Pierce; Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • St. Lucie County Veterans Services, 1664 SE Walton Road (Suite 205), Port St. Lucie; Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Morningside Branch Library, 2410 SE Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FEMA representatives

FEMA representatives are out in communities encouraging residents to register for assistance; however, residents should be cautious of scammers and fake representatives. All FEMA workers will carry an official FEMA photo/ID – residents shouldn’t hesitate to ask for identification. If residents see fraudulent representatives or suspicious activity, call 911 or the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Private non-profits and community organizations

Private non-profits and community organizations are also eligible for public assistance through FEMA.Through the Private Non-Profit (PNP) Public Assistance Program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged publicly-owned facilities, and the facilities of certain organizations.

The program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process. For details visit: www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. The deadline for the PNP program is noon, Thursday, Sept. 21 – those organizations interested in apply should email pio@stlucieco.org.

St. Lucie County is working with FEMA and the State of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management to establish a Disaster Recover Center, which will serve as one-stop shop for residents and businesses to register for assistance, check on claims and file for low-interest loans from the Small Businesses Administration (SBA). SBA loans are available to both residents and businesses.

Roof damage

Residents with roof damage can have the Army Corp of Engineers help secure a temporary roof through the Blue Roof program by calling 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) or visiting: www.saj.usace.army.mil/BlueRoof. (This registration is separate from general public assistance.)

St. Lucie County Reminds Residents to Use Licensed Contractors As St. Lucie County residents and businesses clean up after Hurricane Irma, building officials remind residents that unlicensed contractors from outside the area will be looking to prey on the vulnerability of those seeking speedy repairs.

Avoid being taken advantage of and/or stuck with repairs/fines that they are ultimately responsible for, residents should:

  • Always use a licensed contractor
  • Get at least three written quotes for any job
  • Never put down more than a 10 percent deposit

For a list of licensed contractors visit the Treasure Coast Builders Association (www.treasurecoastba.com) or St. Lucie County’s Contractor Licenses Division at https://www.stlucieco.gov/living-in-st-lucie-county/household/contractor-licensing.

If residents have questions, contact the St. Lucie County Planning and Development Services Department at 772-462-1672.  

The state is offering free school lunches to students who live in counties affected by Hurricane Irma. The change will impact more than 2.5 million children at over 3,000 schools in the 48 counties subject to a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration. Students can access the free school meals through the National School Lunch Program through Oct. 20th. Those counties include Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Palm Beach. Parents can call 1-800-504-6609 for more information.

TreasureCoast

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  • Posted 7 years ago

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