Initial Damage Estimates Reach $9 million in Nassau County from Irma

Nassau County Emergency Management

September 19, 2017 8:38 p.m.

Nassau County Director of Emergency Management Billy Estep says preliminary damage assessments to residential and business structures, including public

facilities in the county , have topped $9 million dollars. Estep says these estimates do NOT include all flooded structures. Estep says there are still so me areas within the county that are not accessible. Estep says as a result, damage estimates will likely be significantly higher.

While these numbers are preliminary, Estep says 132 structures are included in the damage assessments. Ten (10) structures are affected (light damage), 92 minor (need repairs) and 30 major (greater than 50% damage). Estep says the Red Cross will conduct a canvass of homes in the coming days that will eventually be verified by FEMA. Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams will also canvass door - to - door and verify Nassau County preliminary estimates. DSAT helps survivors sign up for individual assistance and other federal programs. Estep says those FEMA teams are in route to Nassau County. Once FEMA has verified the county’s numbers, Disaster Recovery Centers will be set - up in the coming days

.

Estep says the Nassau Emergency Management will keep residents informed to when and where those centers will be established.

Additional updates:

• There are two roads that remained closed in Nassau County:

  1) Crawford Rd. dirt portion between Thomas Creek and highway 301,

  2) Stokes Road bridge awaiting inspection

• One shelter remains open; Hilliard First Baptist Church with 8 occupants
• Power outages: Florida Public Utility has restored power to 100% of its customers on Amelia Island, FPL reports , as of 2pm
• 94% of its customers have had service restored, leaving 1,920 customers without power and OREMC says it has restored power to all of its customers on the west side of the county
• Individual Assistance Designation: Nassau County received a disaster declaration for Individual Assistance resulting from Irma’s impacts on Thursday September 14 th

  at 6pm

• Residents who suffered damages can apply for Individual Assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov If you do not have access to the internet, you may register by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA).
• Disaster Recovery Centers will be established to assist residents but you do not have to wait until then to apply.
• Debris removal began this morning in the county and will continue until all debris has been picked up. Residents can find the schedule and locations at this link:  CountyInsider.comAny media outlet that would like to schedule an interview with Director Estep tomorrow, contact me by phone or email and I will get it arranged for you.

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