As our community navigates recovery from Hurricane Isaias, it is important to understand the role that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays in that recovery.

City of Pensacola and Escambia County have been working with federal and state teams throughout the week to conduct damage assessments following Hurricane Isaias, which will help determine FEMA assistance as the community continues to move toward long-term recovery.

The initial damage reports indicate that more than $71 million of damage to personal property has been reported in the City. City staff still are documenting damage to public infrastructure and facilities to support the request for disaster assistance.

Residents and business owners should submit damage information through the Escambia County Citizen Damage Report site.

• This is for damage to primary structures (fences, sheds, etc. are not applicable). Include photos and records of damage.
• Reporting your damage there is creating a database of property damage in our communtiy that will help document the damage created by Isaias’ and support our community’s request for aid to state and federal officials. It is not filing a request for aid with FEMA.

FEMA 101:

Federal disaster assistance is generally activated when the Governor requests a presidential disaster declaration, and the President approves the request under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Two main categories of assistance:

1. Individual Assistance for Residents and Eligible Households

• Individual Assistance may provide aid to eligible individuals and households affected by a federally declared disaster, subject to the declaration and program eligibility requirements.
• Damage documentation is an important first step in establishing the scope and extent of storm impacts.

2. Public Assistance for Local Governments and Eligible Organizations

• Public Assistance may reimburse eligible costs for emergency response, debris removal, and repairs to eligible public infrastructure, subject to FEMA requirements and the approved disaster declaration.
• Certain eligible private nonprofit organizations may also qualify.

Both types of assistance would require a presidential disaster declaration to move forward. Once the IA and PA assessments are completed, the State damage assessment teams will submit Escambia County’s damage assessments to the state as justification for Gov. Ron DeSantis to request a presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaias.

To learn more about FEMA Individual Assistance vs. Public Assistance, click here.

NEED HELP WITH ISAIAS CLEANUP?

If you need help with storm-related repairs, contact, Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) CRISIS CLEANUP HOTLINE at 1-800-451-1954. Crisis Cleanup is helping connect residents with volunteer disaster relief organizations that may be able to assist with roof tarping, fallen tree removal, storm debris cleanup, and other storm-related cleanup needs.