TAMPA, Fla. — South Tampa residents welcomed the arrival of FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams on Friday as they began outreach efforts to assess damage and offer relief support. With several neighborhoods impacted, the arrival of FEMA was a welcome sign for many.
Senior Resident Expresses Gratitude for FEMA Assistance
Just a few weeks ago, 8 On Your Side assisted a resident living near South Westshore Boulevard with her FEMA application. At 89 years old, Terry Fleming was eager for assistance and relieved to see representatives finally arrive at her door, though she wished help had come sooner.
Homes Flooded, Belongings Lost
Fleming’s experience with recent hurricane flooding was terrifying. She recounted waking up to water surrounding her bed, initially thinking it might be a roof leak before realizing the flooding had spread throughout her home.
FEMA informed her that representatives would reach out to arrange a thorough inspection of her home, with neighboring homes having already been assessed earlier in the week.
Extensive Damage for Many Residents
Fleming’s neighbor, Sandra Hensley, shared the devastating impact on her own home, estimating that nearly 90% of its contents were destroyed by floodwaters. Very few items in there were not ruined. So we probably lost 90% of the contents of the house,” Hensley noted.
FEMA Support Process: Inspections and Timelines
According to FEMA representative Rossyveth Rey-Berríos, once necessary documents are approved and inspections complete, it may take between two and five weeks for applicants to receive a FEMA response. With high volumes of registrations, the process can be prolonged, as FEMA balances the needs of affected residents. The process is a little bit rough at this time because there’s so many survivor registration we have now,” Rey-Berríos stated.
Residents Prepare for Assistance, Despite Wait Times
Though the waiting period may be challenging, residents are grateful to be in the system and are holding out for help to arrive. Hensley and others in the community are bracing for a lengthy recovery process but are hopeful that the efforts of FEMA teams will soon bring some relief. The waiting game will be rough, but at least we know we are in the system and they’re going to get to us as soon as they can,” Hensley added.
Tips for Denied Applications
For applicants whose requests are denied, Rey-Berríos advises carefully reviewing the denial letter. The letter provides details and clarifications on the reasons for denial, along with guidance on potential next steps. WFLA initially published the story.
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