GENERAL INFORMATION
The Home Depot Foundation commits up to $1 million to communities impacted by Ian: The Home Depot Foundation is committing up to $1 million to support immediate disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts in communities affected by Hurricane Ian. This new disaster response grant brings the Foundation’s 2022 disaster commitment to more than $5.5 million.
Along with non-profit partners and Team Depot, Home Depot’s volunteer force, the Foundation is providing immediate assistance to communities in need by distributing water supplies and aid, providing food, providing shelter and removing debris in affected areas once the storm clears. .
The foundation is also sending more than 1,800 disaster relief kits to Florida for distribution by Convoy of Hope and other nonprofit partners. The kits, which include garbage bags, paper towels, cleaners, hand sanitizer, sanitizers, gloves and N95 masks, will be distributed to people in need and those cleaning up after the storm.
THE FOOD! Operation BBQ Relief is already serving several meals in the community with equipment coming in to serve 60,000 meals a day.
- Operation BBQ Relief plans to have initial meals starting tomorrow. We plan to serve Port Charlotte; Fort Myers, Bradenton and other surrounding cities.
- Operation BBQ Relief brings in semi-trucks, RVs, tents and equipment and has set up the size of two football fields.
- Operation BBQ Relief has the capacity with all our equipment working to serve 60,000 hot meals every day. The team consists of world champions and chefs, so the food is delicious and nutritious.
- BBQ brings feelings of comfort and hope as one of America’s favorite pastimes.
- We serve first responders and communities in need.
- We have a warehouse in Tampa, staff members throughout Florida, and staff and volunteers across the country who are stationed in Florida to share the healing power of BBQ.
- To volunteer or donate, visit OBR.org
AVOIDING SCAMS: As hard as it is to get the parts, it is essential that homeowners do not hesitate to document and submit insurance claims if necessary. They also need to be on their guard, as there are bad actors out there looking to scam homeowners in their time of need.
Many homeowners may not be sure where to start. To help, here are 7 Insurance Claim and Safe Recovery Tips that the Florida Public Insurance Regulators Association (FAPIA) recommends:
- Only work with state-licensed professionals.
It is an unfortunate reality that scam artists prey on consumers in their time of need. If you are hiring a contractor to make repairs or a public insurance adjuster to help you understand and file your insurance claim, make sure they are licensed to do business in Florida (go to www.beclaimsmart.com for easy verification). And don’t forget, only public regulators and lawyers are authorized by law to negotiate a claim with your insurance company. Anyone else offering to do so is committing a crime. - Check permissions.
If the proper permits are not being pulled for your home or business property repair, then the job won’t get done (or done well). Be vocal and ask your contractor about the permits required in your city or county and show you confirmation of their submission. Additionally, local building departments may hold you responsible for redoing the work when they learn that required permits have not been pulled. - Do not pay in cash.Credit cards, checks and debit cards are much safer forms of payment and easier to track. Ask for a receipt if you are not given one – you will need this for your insurance claim.
- Be wary of AOB language contractsAn assignment of benefits (AOB) signature is a big deal, as it authorizes the receiving party to manage every aspect of your insurance claim, including collecting your payment and filing a lawsuit on your claim.
- Don’t wait too long to submit your claim.Florida requires that all hurricane damage claims be filed within two years of the date of loss. As a result, it is important to have a professional inspect your home for damage and file a claim in a timely manner. Additional claims are limited to three years from the date of loss.
- Prevent further damage as best you can.
Failure to mitigate additional damage to your property may result in your claim being denied. Provided it’s safe to do so and the issue is manageable, work with a professional to take care of anything that could become a bigger problem, such as covering a damaged roof or covering broken windows. - Beware of scam artists.
Florida’s insurance market and policyholders have been harmed by scams and fraud. Don’t be a victim. If you see contractors, roofers or anyone who is not a licensed public insurance adjuster or an attorney offering to handle your claim, they may be involved in criminal activity. Contractors and roofers are not insurance professionals. Unfortunately, there are some who will use “handling your claim” as a sales tactic. Don’t fall for it. They are neither licensed nor trained to represent your insurance claim interests.
LEE COUNTY
Motorists have been instructed to stay off the roads to allow recovery efforts to continue safely.
Search and rescue efforts continue throughout the county with local, state and federal resources in the air, sea and land. First responders are encountering traffic that is hampering their efforts. The traffic is also slowing down response agencies that are assessing roads, restoring electrical service and conducting other recovery efforts.
Stranded Fort Myers Beach residents are asked to walk to the Publix and 7-11 on Estero Island. Urban Search and Rescue responders will be there to assist the evacuation.
Lee County is working with its partners to set up distribution points for free food and water. These locations will be announced this afternoon and will be located throughout the county.
Lee County shelter operations continue and shelter capacity will be maintained. If your home was affected by the storm and you need shelter, you can still go. Check www.leegov.com/storm for updates on shelter locations.
Crews from the Lee County Department of Transportation continue to assess area roads and bridges. The following bridges are closed: Sanibel Causeway, three bridges at Matlacha, New Pass, Big Carlos Pass Bridge and Big Hickory Pass Bridge.
Lee County Utilities and other water providers ask that anyone who witnesses water bubbling up from the ground report it to the utility that serves your area. Remember to save water as much as possible.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Oct. 4 has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is October 18. For more information, go to www.leegov.com/bocc.
While you stay at home and clean up storm-related yard debris:
- Place it separately from trash or building debris.
- Yard debris does not need to be collected after the storm.
- Place it in stacks that can be easily managed by collection personnel with a claw truck.
- Do not place litter under overhead obstructions such as trees or power lines or near hydrants or mailboxes.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
Chainsaw Safety: Chainsaws are inherently dangerous. Here are some guidelines to follow whenever you use a chainsaw:
- Always read the user manual thoroughly before using the saw.
- Follow all manufacturer’s safety instructions for starting, cutting and fueling.
- Wear protective gear: bag, gloves, earplugs and a hard hat (in case of impact or falling debris).
- Provide a solid base, remove loose material from under the feet; spread your legs in a wide and balanced position.
- Keep the work area clear to avoid fall hazards.
- Always keep control; keep a firm grip on the saw.
- Always be alert to the first strike.
- Never cut above chest height, control is difficult.
- Use a hacksaw for overhead cuts.
- Don’t overdo or underdo it when you cut; you will be out of balance.
- Assess what the reaction of what you are waiting for will be; it will whip up, down or towards you.
- Identify and keep clear an escape route.
Remember, even the smallest chainsaw injury usually requires professional medical attention.
For information about Hurricane Ian, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 or 941-743-1320.
Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecountyAND www.twitter.com/ccoem.
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