The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has launched various forms of assistance for those affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene in the United States.
FEMA provides immediate funds after a disaster to cover urgent needs, and affected individuals can receive an initial assistance of 750 dollars aimed at covering essential expenses such as medications or diapers.
In addition, that support can be expanded to cover the rent of temporary housing or storage units for those who have lost their homes.
How to receive help from FEMA?
The "Assistance for Serious Needs" is a flexible initial payment designed to cover essential items such as food, water, infant formula, nursing supplies, medications, and other emergency products.
FEMA assistance can be requested by filling out an application online at disasterassistance.gov; using the FEMA app, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
You can also apply in person by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). The closest DRCs to your residence can be found on FEMA's website.
Who is eligible to receive assistance from FEMA?
To be eligible for FEMA financial assistance, one must reside in an area declared a disaster zone by the president.
The status of the area can be verified using FEMA's address search tool.
To apply for assistance, the following information is also required: social security number; insurance information; description of the damages suffered; annual household income; contact information; and banking information for direct deposit.
FEMA urges all affected individuals to apply for available assistance and to stay informed about updates and additional resources through their official channels.
Other forms of aid for the victims of hurricanes Milton and Helene
Regarding those interested in donating to help the affected, the authorities recommend thoroughly investigating before donating to avoid frauds that seek to take advantage of these tragedies.
Cinthya Lavin, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau (BBB), has warned that "whenever a natural disaster occurs, it is crucial for people to take precautions and conduct research before making donations."
The National Center for Disaster Fraud of the Department of Justice has a hotline to report disaster-related scams, the number is 866-790-5721.
To avoid being a victim of fraud, it is advisable to make contributions to recognized organizations; do not give in to pressure, as accredited charitable organizations do not use these tactics, and do not respond to unsolicited communications.
It is also advisable to avoid clicking on disaster links or images sent by strangers, as they can install viruses on your device. Be cautious with entities that use names similar to recognized organizations.
Lavin advises using a credit card to make donations and checking the legitimacy of the organization on sites like give.org, guidestar.org, and charitynavigator.org.
Finally, if you are considering traveling to the affected area to deliver donations, it is preferable to first contact a local organization or entity so as not to interfere with ongoing recovery efforts.
Organizations like the American Red Cross, which has deployed hundreds of volunteers in Florida, are providing assistance to those affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene, offering shelter, food, and emergency supplies.
If you wish to support the Red Cross, you can visit their website or call 1-800-733-2767.
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