By Katrina Elsken
Lake Okeechobee News
OKEECHOBEE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in Okeechobee County providing assistance to those whose homes and businesses were damaged by Hurricane Ian.
At the Oct. 20 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission, FEMA representative Jeff Monroe said so far 794 Okeechobee County households have registered for FEMA assistance.
He said those who suffered hurricane damages have several ways to apply for help. FEMA teams are going door-to-door in the county, targeting areas identified by county staff as having damage. He said these representatives are in FEMA attire and have government credentials.
Monroe said county residents should insist on seeing credentials from anyone who knocks on their doors. “If they don’t show credentials, call the sheriff’s department.”
Applications for FEMA help are online at disasterassistance.gov.
“If you have the ability to use a smart phone or internet access, you can get into the portal quicker,” Monroe explained.
Starting Firday, Oct. 21, FEMA will have representatives at the Okeechobee County Public Library 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Anyone who needs FEMA assistance is welcome. Monroe said this is not limited to Okeechobee County residents. Many people have been displaced by the hurricane. Buckhead Ridge residents may also find it more convenient to use the FEMA site in Okeechobee. Monroe said the FEMA site at the library will stay open several weeks. He said sites usually stay open 30 days, depending on demand.
“We try to coordinate benefits,” he continued. “If they are receiving an insurance company payment, we coordinate benefits. We don’t pay twice.”
FEMA help is not limited to structure damage. He said those who lost food to spoilage because their power was out can apply for help.
“Our goal is to assist your county,” he said.
FEMA will also provide reimbursement for county expenses such as debris removal cost and overtime costs for county staff.
Commission Chair Terry Burroughs said he has been very impressed with FEMA’s attention to Okeechobee County after the storm.
“This is the first time that I’ve been on the commission I’ve seen this personal attention from FEMA here. It is very much appreciated,” agreed Commissioner Kelly Owens.
Monroe said the debris removal contractors are picking up debris from the right-of-way areas near roads. It will take some time to pick it all up, he explained.
“We’re here to help, and we’re going to do everything we can to continue to provide that help,” said Monroe.
