FEMA opens a Hurricane Debby disaster recovery center in Manatee County. What to know
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA, is opening a disaster recovery center in Manatee County on Saturday for Hurricane Debby survivors, according to a news release.
The center will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, on Saturday. Starting Sunday, the disaster recovery center will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Individuals and small business owners can receive in-person support and help filling out applications or updating their status at the disaster recovery center, the news release said. Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the state of Florida are available there.
Voluntary organizations are also available. Registration is the first step for recovery and requires insurance policies and bank information, the news release said.
According to the news release, people can shorten wait times at the recovery center by applying to FEMA online, by phone or using the FEMA App before going to a center for follow-up help. To apply, homeowners and renters can:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
- Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
FEMA assistance available after Hurricane Debby
The National Weather Service said Hurricane Debby’s deluge set multiple Manatee County records.
The highest daily rainfall total in recorded history happened at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport when 11.06 inches of rain were measured on August 4. It shattered the previous record of 10.8 inches set in 1945.
The Manatee River also set a record with its highest crest, or water level, following Hurricane Debby. It reached a crest of 20.12 feet on August 5.
Hurricane Debby brought preliminary rainfall totals of 17.64 inches to Lakewood Ranch, 14.66 inches to Parrish, 12.17 inches to Ellenton, 11.88 inches to Bradenton and 11.32 inches to Samoset.
According to the news release, points of distribution for emergency supplies that had been established at Parrish, Lakewood Ranch and Myakka City locations are set to shut down at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16.
For more FEMA information, visit www.FEMA.gov/disaster/4806.
