I just have to say...FEMA is awesome!

[dolphinslady]

Our entire family (in 5 different houses) lost power for 11 days. We all got generators and used them for mainly just the fridge and fans. Plus we had some structural damage, etc. Homeowner's insurance covers so much, but the deductibles are very high.

Anyway, everyone was saying for us to call FEMA and they might help us out (financially). We did call them, just taking a chance to hopefully capture some of the $$ spent. They called us back within like 3 days to come inspect our home, and we received a monetary reimbursement within 3 days after that. (Same goes for my sister.)

How fantastic! It doesn't nearly cover everything but hey...anything helps! They have really amazed me in how they are so organized and helpful; especially with this area being the mess that it is.

So, call them if ever you need them. I mean, I even had a FEMA employee knock on my door today and ask if I had called them yet. I said yes and she asked me to take a flyer and please give it to someone that may need it/have not called them yet. Sweet.

[tracyswfla]

They helped me out to. It really was a blessing!

[mascpa]

Very glad to hear you had a great experience with them. I can't even get in touch with them yet, but we'll keep trying. Like you said, every little bit helps.

[tracyswfla]

I was on hold for almost an hour before I could get my call answered, keep trying!

[birdwomn]

I know this isn't the right forum, but since you brough it up...
Any suggestions about how those of us who have family 'stuck' in Pensacola w/o utlities of any kind can get them some assistance?

I am very concerned about my 83 year old mother, but I don't know how I can even get there to help and I don't want to add to the problem.

[Pebbles]

So REFRESHING to see gratitude!!! So many times people complain because they feel the didn't get ENOUGH help (many times expecting someone to compansate for EVERYTHING). Thankyou for your gratitude of 'any help' ... it's wonderful to see! *cheers and huggers*

[lilyv]

Birdwomn,
Here's a listing from the Pensacola paper-has about every phone number under the sun.

http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/hur ... tacts.html

If she has health needs, and is alone, maybe call Red Cross first ?, see what referrals they have for shelter/help. Just a suggestion.
Hope this helps.

[schmita]

Interesting post.



FEMA helped us out after Sept. 11. My sister in West Palm Beach had a tree damage her roof (alot. plus roof leaks) and I urged her to call them. They told her that she and her husband make too much money and to get a loan?!!!
Her deductible is really high.
She is a director of a Non-Profit and he works for the power company.
This didn't make any sense to me. We made a lot more money than these two and they helped us.

Should she call again and request an inspection?

[Rainband]

FEMA rules

[Downdraft]

Birdwoman call either the local sheriff's office or fire/rescue and ask them to do a well being check. Considering her age the S.O. will send a deputy by to make sure she's okay. We did it here in Seminole County for lots of people during both Frances and Charley. Hope this helps.

[ohiostorm]

They were here right after the major flooding after Frances. They have been helping out alot and I assume they will be back in a few days since flooding is expected again tomorrow and Sat.

[Rainband]

They were here right after the major flooding after Frances. They have been helping out alot and I assume they will be back in a few days since flooding is expected again tomorrow and Sat.

stay safe Luke

[kayceebee]

My husband is a FEMA inspector and has been there since Charley. One of the reasons I joined this forum was to monitor storms as when mother nature calls....my husband is gone. I will be sure to pass on the support for FEMA you've shown here. After doing this work for 5 years, sometimes, when he's in a disaster area, he wonders why is he in this line of work but then he receives such warm welcomes and true gratitude from applicants and it all becomes clear again. Glad you are all getting the help you need!!
Kaycee

[rjgator]

If we could stop spending our money oversees fighting other peoples wars FEMA would have enough money to cover all of these losses from these storms and for three more seasons like this in a row. I agree it is a blessing to live in a country that can support it's residents so effeciently in a time a crisis.

[SeaBrz_FL]

I agree about FEMA, they've been a blessing to the people in my area after Charley and Frances.

Birdwomn -- I had a coworker in a similar situation with an elderly family member and he called our local emergency management number and requested his family member specifically transferred to a "Special Needs Evacuation Site". It wasn't the Hilton, but at least it had full utilities (incl A/C), food, and nurses onsite.

That number in Pensacola:
Escambia County Emergency Management Citizen’s Information Line: 850 595-3311

We found the locally run Emergency Mgmt Offices easier to get through to than some of the others.

Glad your family made it safely through the storm and good wishes for a speedy recovery.

[birdwomn]

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions!

I will take advantage of them and pass them on to others as they may need them.

It makes me feel better to know there is such a great support system here as well as such great information!