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floridadisaster.org - May 5, 2014

Tallahassee, Fla. – On Monday, May 5, Governor Rick Scott requested federal assistance for Florida communities to assist in recovery from the recent severe weather and flooding event. Governor Scott requested a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

“After a disaster, our goal is to work as quickly as possible to help communities recover and rebuild,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan W. Koon. “While no entity can fully erase the impacts of this disaster, federal assistance will go long way to help those communities return a sense of normalcy.”

If a declaration is received then Individual Assistance will be available to individuals in those qualifying counties. Governor Scott’s initial request is based on Preliminary Damage Assessments, and may be amended to include additional counties as Preliminary Damage Assessments are finalized.

epa.gov

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

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cdc.gov

CDC's Mold Web site provides information on mold and health, an inventory of state indoor air quality programs, advice on assessment, cleanup efforts, and prevention of mold growth, and links to resources.

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CDC - Floods

Homeowner Marnie Land, right, and her sister Judy Hart, left, surveys Lands flood ravaged home in the Crescent Lake subdivision Friday afternoon. At the height of the last weeks storm Land had more the three-and-half feet of rushing water running through her home.(Photo: Tony Giberson/***@***.***, Tony Giberson/***@***.***)

Learning the ropes and understanding the pitfalls of securing payment on your storm damage insurance claims could make the process easier. Even the noninsured need to document losses for federal aid.

pnj.com - by Kimberly Blair - May 4, 2014

Recovering from last week's flood greatly hinges on how victims navigate the insurance claims process.

The only options for victims without flood insurance, however, will likely be digging into savings, maxing out credit cards, cashing in 401(k) plans and borrowing money from relatives. That's why many residents are counting on federal aid, which will be made available only if President Barack Obama declares our area a disaster.