Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell, requesting close collaboration between FEMA and the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) on housing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Many Floridians remain without power, and those who evacuated are returning to find their homes uninhabitable or destroyed. Senator Scott expressed his readiness to work with state and local partners to ensure that Florida families and businesses receive the resources they need to recover.
Read: Florida Attorney General Warns Of Price Gouging And Scams In Wake Of Hurricane Helene
In his letter, dated October 1, 2024, Senator Scott thanked FEMA for its support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has caused widespread devastation across Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Big Bend region. He emphasized the importance of clear and consistent communication between FEMA, FDEM, and local communities, particularly regarding housing recovery and temporary shelter options for displaced residents.
Senator Scott outlined key questions for FEMA, including:
- How is FEMA coordinating with FDEM to provide updates on federal recovery efforts to affected Floridians and local communities?
- Is FEMA working with FDEM and local governments to inform county emergency management offices about available housing assistance and temporary shelters?
- When and where will FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers be established?
- How is FEMA ensuring its on-the-ground representatives are accessible to state and local officials?
- How is FEMA supporting and supplementing Florida’s temporary housing program?
The senator stressed the need for clear guidance on accessing federal resources for housing recovery and urged FEMA to coordinate closely with FDEM on public messaging to avoid confusion. He also reiterated his commitment to assisting Florida families and businesses in connecting with federal resources.
Read: Florida Sen. Rick Scott Urges Senate To Reconvene For Hurricane Helene Aid Package
For Floridians seeking help with FEMA, the SBA, or other federal agencies in their recovery efforts, Senator Scott encouraged them to contact his office or visit his website for additional resources and information. More recovery resources are also available through the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
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