FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

Seminole County residents eligbility period for financial and direct services from FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) and Transitional Shelter Assistance Program (TSA) has ended. If you have questions about your existing claim, a denial, or status:

• Visit the disasterassistance.gov.
• Call FEMA at (800) 621-3362.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• WHAT IF I RECEIVE A DENIAL LETTER FROM FEMA?: Submit an appeal letter with supporting documentation online, via mail, or in person at the Disaster Recovery Center (see below).
• HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE A DECISION AFTER SUBMITTING AN APPEAL? Decisions can take up to 90 days once the appeal letter and documentation has been received.

HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM

The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management is accepting project proposals for the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. This is a competitive program through FEMA.  Individual homeowners who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian or prior flooding may submit a home mitigation project proposal and apply for this federal grant funding.

Types of Mitigation Projects
Residents may consider rebuilding in a way that mitigates, or prevents damage from, future flooding. Projects include:

• Elevating the home
• Relocating the home
• Home acquisition and demolition
   

Flood Mitigation Assistance Program Process

1. Residents submit a project proposal and documentation to the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management for review. 
2. If selected, Seminole County will submit a grant application to the State of Florida on behalf of the resident.
3. If approved, the State will make a recommendation to FEMA for final review and approval.
4. When approved, homeowners may begin the project. They will receive reimbursement from FEMA via the State and local government. Generally, about 75% of the total project costs are reimbursed, although it may be more.

How to Submit a Project Proposal 
Interested homeowners may contact the Office of Emergency Management at EM@seminolecountyfl.gov or (407) 665-5102 to notify them of intention to submit a project proposal. County representatives will work with residents on a case-by-case basis. 

• Homeowners then email the project proposal and required documentation to EM@seminolecountyfl.gov. Documentation should include:
  • Proof of flood insurance
  • Insurance claims
  • Proof of past flood damage
  • For elevation projects: a quote for the cost of elevating the home
  • For acquisition/demolition projects: an appraisal of the home's pre-damage value

INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE GRANT: HURRICANE DISASTER RECOVERY

Seminole County is seeking to repair homes that have sustained hurricane damage caused by Hurricane Ian. Applicants may be eligible for an insurance deductible grant for up to $20,000. The Hurricane Disaster Recovery program is designed to provide funds in the form of grants to qualified applicants whose homes have sustained damage from a storm event or other natural disaster. Grant assistance that homeowners are eligible for, include, but are not limited to:

• Repairs required to make the unit habitable and avoid further damage, including the removal of trees and/or debris, roof replacement/repair, etc.
• Repair or construction of wells where a public water system is not available.
• Payment of insurance deductibles and depreciation allowance calculations determined by the insurance company for an eligible housing unit insured by the homeowner.
• The home must be owned and occupied for a minimum of one year by the applicant as documented by homestead exemption status.
• Home must be located in Seminole County.
• The home must be site built or a post-1994 manufactured home on land that is owned by the applicant.
• Property value cannot exceed $254,000.
• Applicant must be current on Seminole County property taxes.

Learn more by caling 407-665-2300. 
 

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) ASSISTANCE

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration covers Seminole County. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations may be eligible to apply for SBA's low-interest disaster loan program to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

SBA loans are not only for businesses. Homeowners and renters who suffered loss from a disaster can apply for SBA loans.

To learn more about eligibility criteria and apply:

• Visit the SBA's Disaster Loan Assistance website.
• Call the SBA at (800) 659-2955.

 Last Updated: February 6, 2023 12:46pm

WELL WATER TESTING

Free private well tests are available for Seminole County residents. To schedule a free well test, call the Seminole County Citizens Information Line at 407-665-0000.

Seminole County residents with private wells that were submerged in floodwaters from Hurricane Ian should have their well water tested for contaminants and water quality. If wells are affected by floodwaters, there may be disease-causing organisms in the water. At a minimum, residents should check their well if it was submerged to make certain there are no mechanical problems. If your well was not flooded but you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well.

WELL WATER SAFETY

If you suspect your water has been contaminated, follow these safety tips:

• Boil tap water and hold it at a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let it cool completely before using to avoid burns.
• Disinfect tap water by adding eight drops of plain, unscented household bleach per gallon of water. If a higher strength bleach is used (8.259 strength), only add seven drops of bleach. Mix the solution and let it stand for 30 minutes. If still cloudy after the second treatment, dispose of water and start the process over one more time. 
• Use commercially available bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

If you must disinfect your well after a disaster, use a contractor with experience.  If completing a FEMA or insurance application, this information should be provided as part of the application process. 

WELL WATER RESOURCES

For more information, call the Seminole County Citizens Information Line at (407) 665-0000.

Florida Department of Health - Private Well Water (PDF)

Florida Department of Health - Private Well Testing (web)

CDC - Disinfecting Wells After a Disaster

 Last Updated: November 9, 2022 9:46am

UNMET NEEDS

An unmet need is a gap between verified disaster-caused damages and obtainable aid (such as insurance assistance, Federal and State assistance, and personal resources). Non-government agencies and volunteers can assist those incapable of making homes livable or passible with muck out, dry wall repair/replace, tarp roof, debris removal, fence repair, wheelchair ramp repair, basic other home repairs, minor roof repair, and similar projects.  Seminole County and Seminole HEART, the County's interfaith and non-profit coalition, continues to work on unmet needs from the hurricanes of 2022.  

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Eligible individuals who may receive assistance with these types of projects include residents of Seminole County with special needs, disabilities, seniors, and low- to fixed-income households. 

MAKE A REQUEST

Call the Office of Emergency Management at 407-665-5102 or the Citizens Information Hotline at 407-665-0000 to register the unmet need. 

 Last Updated: February 6, 2023 12:48pm

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Call (407) 665-0000 for more volunteer information. The following organizations are currently accepting volunteers to assist with storm recovery in the community.

Meals on Wheels

• Address: 2801 S. Financial Court, Sanford
• Phone: (407) 333-8877
• Website: Meals on Wheels

Harvest Time International

Open Tuesday - Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

• Address: 225 Harvest Time Drive (formerly N Kennel Rd) Sanford
• Phone: (407) 328-9900
• Online: Harvest Time

Volunteer Florida

View up-to-date local Volunteer Opportunities at VolunteerFlorida.org.

• Phone: (850) 414-7400
• Online: Volunteer Florida

FOOD PANTRY LOCATIONS

Second Harvest Food Bank

• Phone: (407) 295-1066
• Online: Second Harvest Food Bank

Harvest Time International

Distributing food, water, and supplies for those in need. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

• Address: 225 Harvest Time Drive (formerly N Kennel Rd) Sanford, FL 32771
• Phone: (407) 328-9900
• Online: Harvest Time

The Sharing Center

Showers and laundry available at The Oasis, Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m. The Pantry, Client Sevices, ProjectRISE, and other programs also available, call for details. 

• Address: 600 N 17-92, Longwood
• Phone: (407) 260-9155
• Online: The Sharing Center 

Rural Heritage Center in Geneva

Contact for more details.

• Address: 101 East Main Street, Geneva
• Phone: (407) 792-0758
• Online: facebook.com/RuralHeritageCenter for updates.

RED CROSS

• Phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS
• Online: RedCross
• To Volunteer

DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE

24/7/365 crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters

• Call or text: 800-985-5990

 Last Updated: November 14, 2022 4:37pm

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATES

For Road Closure updates, please visit https://www.fl511.com or call 511 on your cell phone.

 Last Updated: November 10, 2022 10:00am

EXECUTIVE ORDER - NO WAKE ZONE

All portions of Seminole County, including flooded roadways, are subject to a no wake zone. Vehicles should not drive fast through flooded roadways and create wake. Motorized boats must also remain off the roadways.

FLOODING SAFETY

• Turn Around, Don't Drown: Do not drive or walk through flood water. Vehicles will not protect you. They can be swept away or may stall.
• Keep Out of Flood Water: It can be contaminated with waste or chemicals that can cause health hazards. Dangerous objects and debris or animals (rodents, snakes) could also be hidden in the water. Do not play or float in flood water. Plus, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet.
• Prevent Electrical Hazards: Turn off electrical power, gas, and propane. NEVER touch a fallen power line. If you believe someone has been electrocuted, call 911.

RESOURCES

• Little Wekiva River near Altamonte Springs 
• St. Johns River at Lake Monroe (Sanford)
• Little Econ River near Oviedo
• Residents can visit msc.fema.gov to find out if their home is in a flood zone.

HOW TO READ HYDROGRAPHS

Hydrographs show how the river levels have changed over time at a specific location. Check the time along the bottom to see the current river level and predicted levels.

LEVELS:

• Action Stage: Time to prepare
• Minor Flooding: Minimal property damage
• Moderate Flooding: Some property damage and evacuations
• Major Flooding: Damage to structures and roads, significant evacuations
• Record Flooding: The highest level on record

 Last Updated: November 9, 2022 9:38am

GENERATOR SAFETY

Seminole County reminds residents that CARBON MONOXIDE, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is highly poisonous. The Florida Department of Health recommends the following precautions:

• Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent, or fireplace.
• NEVER use a generator indoors, including homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even those with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home.
• ALWAYS locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to flow indoors. Follow the generator instructions.
• REMEMBER that you cannot see or smell CO. Portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly.
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.
• If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.

RESOURCES

Video: Generator Safety (English)

Video: Seguridad con el uso de Generadores (Español)

 Last Updated: November 9, 2022 9:41am

PRICE GOUGING

Attorney General Ashley Moody has expanded Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline. During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities such as food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber, equipment and storm-related services. Violators are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period. 

Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to Florida Attorney General Moody’s No Scam App on Apple or Android devices, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling (866) 966-7226. Record the business location and name, take photos, and collect information such as estimates, bills, advertisements, price tags, and receipts.

SCAMS & FRAUD

Every natural disaster and emergency provides an opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to try to take advantage of those affected and in distress. Common scams that occur after a hurricane event include:

• Repair scams
• Tree service scams
• Water testing and treatment scams
• Disaster relief scams
• Charity-related scams
• Insurance scams

To avoid falling victim to these fraudulent ploys:

• Be wary of anyone who approaches unsolicited and offers to work at a discount.
• Verify contractor's licenses at MyFloridaLicense.com.
• Ask for proof of identification if someone arrives claiming to be a utility provider representative needing to inspect a water line or well.
• Get at least three written, itemized estimates for repairs.
• Do not sign any blank or incomplete paperwork.
• Donate to charities you know and trust with a proven track record of dealing with disasters. Be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight in connection with current events.

If you suspect you have encountered any disaster-related scams, report it to Florida Attorney General Moody’s No Scam App on Apple or Android devices, visit MyFloridaLegal.com or call (866) 966-7226.

 Last Updated: November 9, 2022 9:41am

STAY INFORMED

• STORM ALERTS: Text Storm2022 to 888-777 to opt into text alerts on storm recovery.
• ALERT SEMINOLE: Visit AlertSeminole.org to register for emergency alerts (phone, text, and/or email). Participating residents will receive time-sensitive messages specific to their specified home or business location within Seminole County. Residents can unsubscribe to alerts at any time through their account.
• PHONE: Call the Seminole County's Citizens Information Line at 407-665-0000.
• SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Seminole County on Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram (@SeminoleCountyFL) to stay connected to Seminole County on social media.
• SGTV: Watch SGTV live on Spectrum channel 498, SeminoleCountyFL.gov/SGTV, or on YouTube.

 Last Updated: November 9, 2022 9:42am

There are currently no executive orders or Local State of Emergency for Hurricane Ian or Nicole.

• Local State of Emergency - March 21, 2023 
• Florida State of Emergency - November 21, 2022
• Executive Order – Rescinding Price Gouging
• Executive Order - Rescinding Evacuation
• Executive Order - Rescinding No Wake Zone

 Last Updated: March 21, 2023 2:50pm