Hurricane Milton: Army Family Hurricane Relief

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, military families across the state are facing the possibility of displacement, damage to homes, and loss of essential resources. Hurricanes are among nature’s most destructive forces, and Milton is expected to bring life-threatening winds, flooding, and storm surges across 51 of Florida’s counties. With such a widespread impact, many families will need assistance to recover in the storm’s aftermath.

In addition to Army Emergency Relief (AER) stepping in to support Soldiers and their families, disaster relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also available to help with recovery. For those affected by recent storms, such as Hurricane Helene, applying for FEMA assistance is a vital step toward rebuilding.

How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

If you’ve been affected by Hurricane Milton or any other disaster, here are seven key things to know when applying for FEMA assistance:

1 – What is Disaster Assistance?

When the President declares a major disaster, FEMA provides financial assistance to help individuals recover. You can use the tool on DisasterAssistance.gov to check if your area is eligible for aid.

2 – How to Apply

The fastest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. However, if you can’t apply online, you can also:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time).
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (find locations on fema.gov/drc).

3 – Information You’ll Need

When applying, have the following details ready:

• Description of damage
• Address at the time of the disaster
• Social Security number
• Contact information
• Insurance information, including policy number and agent
• Annual household income
• Bank account information for direct deposit

4 – Document Your Damage

Take photos of any damage to your property. This documentation will be important when applying for both insurance claims and FEMA assistance.

5 – File a Claim with Your Insurance

If you have insurance, file a claim right away. FEMA will not cover losses that your insurance can pay for, so it’s crucial to begin this process as soon as possible.

6 – What FEMA Assistance Covers

FEMA offers several types of assistance, including:

• Serious Needs Assistance for emergency essentials like food, water, and medications.
• Displacement Assistance to cover temporary housing costs if you cannot return home.
• Other Expenses such as rental assistance, home repairs, and property losses.

7 – What Happens Next?

After applying, FEMA may inspect your home to verify the damage. You will receive a letter detailing their decision and next steps. If you disagree with their decision, you can file an appeal. If approved, you’ll receive funds either via check or direct deposit.

For more details, visit FEMA.gov.

Army Emergency Relief and Other Support for Military Families

While FEMA provides general disaster assistance, Army Emergency Relief (AER) offers specific support for military families affected by Hurricane Milton. Eligible Soldiers, retired Soldiers, and their families can apply for financial aid to cover basic needs like food, shelter, and other essential services during and after the storm. Additionally, AER has extended assistance to those affected by Hurricane Francine, including non-mobilized Reserve and National Guard personnel.

Hurricane Hazards to Be Aware Of

Hurricanes, tropical storms, and depressions pose several dangers, including:

• Storm Surge: The leading cause of hurricane-related deaths, storm surge can flood coastal and inland areas.
• Inland Flooding: Heavy rains can cause widespread flooding, sometimes hundreds of miles from the coast.
• Destructive Winds: High winds can damage homes, knock out power, and turn debris into dangerous projectiles.
• Tornadoes: Often occurring in the outer rain bands of a hurricane, tornadoes can further devastate communities.
• High Surf and Rip Currents: Dangerous waves and strong currents can cause life-threatening conditions even when the storm is far offshore.

How to Get Help

For military families needing support:

• Locate an AER Office within 50 miles of your location.
• Contact the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society if near a Navy or Marine Corps base.
• Call the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337 for emergency financial assistance where AER is unavailable.
  

Staying Safe and Moving Forward

As Hurricane Milton approaches, following evacuation orders and being prepared can save lives. After the storm, both AER and FEMA are here to help you rebuild and recover. For those who have been affected by recent hurricanes, sharing your story may provide invaluable lessons for others in future disasters.

For more information on disaster assistance, visit Army Emergency Relief and DisasterAssistance.gov. Stay safe, and take proactive steps to protect your family during this challenging time.