Hurricane Ian’s lasting impact on homeowners – how residents are coping with the fallout in 2023

Hurricane Yan, which hit Florida in late September 2022, is estimated to have caused at least $50–65 billion worth of property and infrastructure damage, making it one of the most costly natural disasters in US history. For residents experiencing property damage, the idea of ​​rebuilding may seem unacceptable due to the myriad of challenges many still face at the start of 2023. From the aftermath of the hurricane to the obstacles residents and homeowners face, here’s what do you need to know regarding Yang effects.

devastation yang

The Category 4 hurricane killed nearly 150 people, according to the Florida Medical Review Board. With hundreds still displaced more than four months later, life in tents, cars, motels or trailers has become a harsh reality for many residents, according to The Washington Post article, which details people’s lives after the disaster. Many, for example, are left wondering if they will receive damages money from their insurance companies, the state, the federal government (or a combination of both, the report notes).

Another nasty effect left by Yang’s flooding is mold and fungus, which continues to destroy several houses. Mold that thrives in warm, humid environments can quickly appear after a home is flooded, although other problems (such as constant humidity, condensation buildup, and poor ventilation) can also occur, making mold growth a serious problem. any homeowner can potentially face. Due to the health problems that can result from exposure to mold, it is essential to check, test, and fix the problem as soon as possible, whether the mold is the result of flooding or not. Nevertheless, professional repairs through a reputable team which offers 24/7 emergency service and experienced technicians can prove valuable in any mold situation. However, this is not the reality for everyone after Yang.

“It pervades everything,” says Nancy George. “They are in the walls, in the floors and maybe in the ceilings because most of them have been closed for so long.” With her house covered in mold and beyond repair, it’s not the only one in this condition. “Mold is a huge problem for everyone here,” says George. “Almost all of these houses are destroyed due to mold.”

In accordance with January 2023 Wink News articleNancy, like many others, was still waiting for FEMA disaster relief money, just one of the many hurdles faced by Florida residents hit by the hurricane.

Many problems

The financial problems caused by Yang have left many homeowners unsure of their future. While some can rebuild without a second thought, others just don’t have the same luxury. According to one article in Time, many of the residents (and business owners) most affected by Ian are the least able to afford it. high cost of restoration, especially when it comes to recovery to better prepare for future storms. The Time post goes on to point out the costs associated with hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows, which alone add thousands of dollars to additional construction costs.

In addition to high recovery costs, the displaced will face additional frustrations in early 2023. Many also found it difficult to navigate their response to natural disasters. Lee McCall, 86, whose home is in St. James (and still rotting from the storm), lived in a motor home with her husband. Her two daughters live in a nearby tent, and her two grandchildren live in another. The CNN article notes that McCall says they are still waiting on insurance payouts and have no money to rebuild. The McCall family is not alone – many are still homeless or living in undesirable conditions. The article goes on to mention that many survivors, few of whom are insured, say FEMA approved them for temporary housing. I don’t know when they will come — in fact, it is noted that almost 3,000 households received direct housing permits after the storm, although as of early February, FEMA reports that only 225 received it.

The overall goal is recovery

In terms of programs to help Florida residents affected by Yang, the state announced a program to provide materials for the repair of homes affected by the hurricane. Announced by the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), the state program aims to provide verified non-profits with materials to restore a damaged home to a habitable state. It is also noted that the Florida Disaster Relief Fund will provide funds to verified non-profit organizations. for repair work. The goal is to speed up the process of returning residents to their homes. In terms of temporary housing, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced further recovery initiatives and funding in January, saying the state’s team launched their own travel trailer program In November. As of January 19, the state has delivered 140 trailers and ordered 2,400 more.

Florida residents affected by Hurricane Ian still face many problems, despite the fact that the hurricane hit the state back in September. From housing issues to financial hurdles, efforts like the government’s travel trailer program are designed to help speed up the road to recovery.