Could use some help ... I'm about to start on my disaster relief this afternoon.

[lpbk2713]

Does anyone here have any helpful tips or useful links? I have extensive damage from Hurricane Irma. I most of all need a new roof. A lot of shingles were blown off. There's no wood showing and there's no leaks ... yet. It is a 25 year old roof on a house built in 1963. I'm in Lakeland, not near any water bodies. It has been through a few hurricanes but it couldn't take this one. It is a peaked roof with asphalt shingles. The house is a single story in a 'T' design. The entire utility room roof will have to be replaced, wood and all. The wood was older than I thought where I couldn't see it and now I have sky in some places where I used to have roof. Thankfully my electric panel wasn't flooded although I did see water dripping down the outside door. I didn't want to touch it. When the power came back on late Wednesday (09/13) I had power right away and there was no noise or smoke or strange smell coming from the electric panel. I wonder if later on there may be some corrosion to deal with. My window unit air conditioner hasn't worked since late Sunday when there were three power surges before the power went out for good. I also had water come in under one door facing where the storm winds were coming from. It was soaked and it really smelled bad for a few days. I know most policies don't cover water damage so I will probably have to cover that one myself. I don't expect a lot of reimbursement from my insurance company. Has anyone here ever had any experience with FEMA Disaster Relief? I'm not necessarily looking for a total grant but is it possible to get a small interest loan? I have no idea what the dollar value of the damage might be because no professional has looked at it yet. I have some money in savings. Will they make me use that before they consider offering me any assistance? I am 73 yo and my only steady income is my monthly SoSec check. Any help from personal experiences or useful links would be greatly appreciated. That you all for reading my OP. And many thanks in advance for any assistance you offer.

[MLAA]

1. Sorry to say that I can offer no practical advise, but I can send you lots of good wishes 🙂

[GeorgeGist]

2. From the FEMA site this ...

For those in designated areas in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov is the quickest way to register for federal assistance, including FEMA assistance. If you do not have access to the internet, you may register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). If you use 711 relay or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362 directly.

[furtheradu]

3. Some reSources for You

I understand what You're dealing with. Before You jump into the recovery process, check out some of these sites & see if You can get some Volunteer help & donations. Don't be too proud to ask for help, or think You can do it ALL YourSelf.

Austin Common Ground, in & around Houston, are doing amazing Work. They have great information & reSources for recovery, please look at them before You get started.
(I witnessed Common Ground in NOLA post Katrina, they're effective & efficient, no waste or nonsense. Anyone looking to donate or volunteer, I highly recommend Common Ground!)
BASH (Bayou Street Medics)
Another wonderful group doing Harvey recovery.
Again, I really recommend, they have great reSources YOU might use.

In Florida :
MADRelief (Mutual Aid Disaster Relief) If You want to pm me Your contact info, I will get a message to them, or You can call them.

Also, look into:
Food Not Bombs
&
Build Autonomy
Best Wishes & Blessings to YOU! 💖