Federal funds made available for Hermine damage

President Obama signed an official disaster declaration making federal funds available to those affected by Hurricane Hermine.

The president's action makes assistance available, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover from the disaster.

FEMA is still working on damage surveys. Residents and business owners can apply for federal funds online or by phone beginning Thursday, September 29.

FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.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 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.