Federal assistance available from losses due to Tropical Storm Debby | News

Sarasota County, Florida -- In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby, the federal government is making financial assistance available to individuals and businesses.

Individual assistance makes federal and state assistance available to individuals, families, and businesses that have experienced uninsured losses from declared natural disasters. While no damage was initially reported within the City of North Port, the following information is being provided in the event residents/businesses suffered a loss that they now find is not covered by homeowners/business insurance.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses within Sarasota County may apply for individual assistance by registering online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web-enabled mobile device at http://m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistanc e (DUA) is also now available to individuals residing in Sarasota County. Claims must be made by August 16, 2012 to be eligible. To apply for DUA, claimants should visit www.floridajobs.org/dua, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.