The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Florida Department of Emergency Management have completed their “Individual Assistance Preliminary Damage Assessment†of damage caused to privately owned homes, business and property as a result of the recent floods in Escambia County.
The data collected is now being sent to Florida Governor Rick Scott and other state leaders in Tallahassee for review.
When state and local resources are inadequate to effectively respond to an emergency or major disaster, federal law allows for federal assistance through a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
This assistance is requested by the governor if the situation meets the criteria for a declaration. The governor submits a written request to the president through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IV, in Atlanta.
If the Federal Emergency Management Agency develops information to supplement the governor’s request, this is sent to the president who then decides whether or not to issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Once that Presidential Disaster Declaration is made, citizens will be able to file claims with FEMA.
Escambia County staff is still working to get a full assessment on the damage to public property that was damaged by the flood.
Citizens who have not reached out for help with their flooded property are asked to contact the Citizens Information Center (open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.) at 850-471-6600.