TALLAHASSEE – The state of Florida and FEMA have opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in DeSoto County.
DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.
DESOTO COUNTY
DeSoto Library: 125 N Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia, Fl 34266
Center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Other centers are operating in the following locations, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week unless otherwise noted.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
Tringali Rec Center, 3450 N Access Rd., Englewood, FL 34224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
HARDEE COUNTY
Wauchula Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873
SARASOTA COUNTY
Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career La., North Port, FL 34289
It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362.
The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable.
Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.
In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance.
DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service. FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.
For more information about Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4673 and floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.