With the storms aligning across the Atlantic, one should evaluate to what degree a storm can impact an area. As Ernesto bends towards Mexico and Florence diminishes, the perils of Tropical Storm Debby which occurred in June still impact many in throughout the Southeast.
Over 20 Florida counties have been declared eligible for both physical and economic assistance from the Small Business Administration [SBA]. An additional 20+ counties throughout Florida and Georgia are eligible for economic assistance only.
There are different types of assistance offered to both individuals and business owners. For small businesses, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by a disaster. The EIDL assistance is available to businesses regardless if the business suffered any physical property damage. For homeowners, loans up to $200,000 are available to repair or replace damaged real estate. In addition, personal property loans up to $40,000 are available for both homeowners and renter. Loans offered by the SBA are based on an applicant’s financial condition and the deadline for applying is September 4, 2012.
In addition to SBA loans, more than $12 million in Federal Emergency Management Aid [FEMA] disaster aid has been granted for individuals in Florida, with the majority of that cost benefiting housing grants for short term rental assistance, home repairs, and replacement costs. There is additional FEMA aid for medical expenses and lost personal possessions netting $1.6 million in benefits. [www.fema.gov] It is important to know there are numerous types of assistance offered through FEMA and other government agencies; some keynote references in addition to the FEMA website are www.disasterassistance.gov and www.sba.gov.
While the development of Tropical Storm Debby was minimal, the effects were still costly. Many of the disaster preparedness guidelines focus on the need to prepare for the hurricane season, regardless of an eminent threat. The impact of Tropical Storm Debby across Florida and into Georgia proves just that point.
Continue to monitor the hurricane season developments, and as always, stay prepared.
Complete General Contractors, Inc. specializes in hurricane damage restoration from residential, commercial, industrial and by municipality. John Minor has worked post-hurricane sites since Opal in 1995; his experience is far reaching – from the Carolina’s to Texas and all along the coast of Florida. The staff of Complete can meet with you to review your preparedness plan, and we will be there afterwards should you ever need us. We specialize in the actual restoration, prevention, as well as, dispute resolution of a claim. Call the company the pros choose – call Complete.