6/28/2018

FDEM Director Wes Maul and State Officials Meet with Franklin County Officials Following Limerock Wildfire

This morning, FDEM Director Wes Maul, joined by Florida Housing Finance Corporation Director Trey Price and Assistant Director of Special Programs Robert Dearduff, as well as representatives from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, met with Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith and local officials to inspect the site of the Limerock Wildfire and discuss state and local assistance to address the needs of families impacted by this fire.

During the meeting, Director Maul and state officials identified and discussed the availability of more than $1.1 million to assist in the long-term recovery of these families. Director Maul also expressed the state’s commitment to directly assist in the cleanup of the affected neighborhood on Monday, July 2.

MORE INFORMATION ON STATE RELIEF EFFORTS:

• The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has deployed its Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobile units to East Point. FLOW mobile units offer a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, change a name or address on a driver license, get an identification card or renew a vehicle registration. They also offer DHSMV’s critical safety services such as emergency contact information registration. 

• DHSMV also deployed 27 Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol to assist local law enforcement and emergency management with recovery efforts and safety missions. 

• FDEM is also coordinating with Volunteer Florida to identify non-governmental organizations with resources to support families and individuals affected in Franklin County. Services currently being offered through FDEM and Volunteer Florida include: 

• The Salvation Army is providing mobile feeding to affected households and assisting with the operation of a shelter at the Church of God in Eastpoint.
• The American Red Cross is managing the shelter, conducting damage assessments and providing direct client services to impacted individuals and families. 

• FDEM is coordinating with private sector partners including Airbnb to identify support for housing for families and individuals affected by this tragedy. 

The Florida Department of Financial Services is providing the following assistance at the direction of CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: 

• The Division of Consumer Services is deploying insurance experts to Franklin County to assist residents with navigating the insurance claims-filing process. 

• The Division of Risk Management is deploying adjusters to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, June 28, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, June 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist residents with filing a partial settlement claim for up to $5,000 per household for emergency living expenses such as temporary housing, clothing, food or pet care. Residents should bring proof of residency such as a driver license, utility bill or other bills. Click HERE for more information. Those who cannot attend should contact the Division of Risk Management at (850) 413-3122 for assistance. 

• The Division of Investigative and Forensic Services is also providing assistance to state and local officials for structural damage assessments and to help secure the impacted areas. 

Families seeking additional information and resources on assistance should contact Franklin County Emergency Management at 850-653-8977 or
emfranklin@franklinemergencymanagment.com.