Lake County residents can now access FEMA disaster relief funds following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Federal assistance has been released to help those affected by the storm, which left behind significant damage including fallen trees, power outages, and debris impacting homes and vehicles.

Sarah Lux, Public Information Officer for Lake County, expressed relief at the news, stating, “We’ve been working closely with state and federal partners to ensure Lake County is included, and now that funds are available, we can help our community recover more quickly.”

Extensive Damage in Lake County

Hurricane Milton brought severe destruction to the area, with local residents now facing the daunting task of clean-up and repairs. Reports of downed power lines, blocked roadways, and debris have flooded in, and many homes and businesses sustained heavy damage from the storm. Local officials have been assisting with debris removal, power restoration, and emergency services, but federal aid will now help speed up the recovery process.

Lake County authorities have been working tirelessly to assess damage and restore basic services. With FEMA funds now available, officials are urging residents to apply for aid as soon as possible to help cover the costs of repairs and recovery.

FEMA’s Response

In a recent press release, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell confirmed that FEMA is fully mobilized in Florida, working closely with local and state officials. FEMA’s Region 4 Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. remain activated 24/7 to coordinate federal resources and assistance. Criswell, who is currently on the ground in Florida, has been assessing the storm’s damage and ensuring resources are distributed where needed.

With the disaster declaration now in place for Lake County, FEMA is deploying personnel, supplies, and recovery funds to help the community get back on its feet.

How to Apply for FEMA Aid

Residents affected by Hurricane Milton can now apply for FEMA assistance in several ways:

1. Call the toll-free number:
   • 800-621-FEMA (3362). Calls are accepted daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. across time zones, with multilingual assistance available.
2. Register online:
   • Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. For those with access to Wi-Fi and powered electronic devices, applying online may be the fastest method.
3. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center:
   • FEMA has opened several Disaster Recovery Centers where residents can apply for aid in person. A list of locations can be found at fema.gov/drc.

What Aid is Available

FEMA offers several types of assistance to help residents recover from the storm:

• $750 direct payments for essential needs such as food, water, baby formula, and emergency supplies.
• Funds for home repairs and personal property replacement.
• Rental assistance for those displaced from their homes.
• Low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration for homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by the disaster.

Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to access this crucial aid and begin their recovery process.