Damage, Debris & FEMA Assistance
Recovering After the Storm: What to Do and Where to Start
When a hurricane or tropical storm impacts Volusia County, the days and weeks that follow can be overwhelming. This page provides comprehensive information on how to:
- Document and report storm damage
- Properly separate and place debris
- Navigate cleanup safely
- Access Federal, state, and local assistance
- Get direct contact support when you need it
How to Report Property Damage
Why It Matters:
Accurate damage reporting allows local, state, and federal agencies to assess the full scope of community impact. This supports disaster declarations and determines eligibility for FEMA funding and other aid programs.
Volusia County Residential Damage Assessment Portal
Residents should report property damage as soon as possible once it’s safe using the County’s secure online system—even if they’ve already contacted their insurance company. This can expedite the claim to higher levels of governments to render disaster declarations quicker.
What to include in your report:
- Full name and contact info
- Property address and type (residential, rental, mobile home, etc.)
- Description of damage (e.g., water intrusion, roof collapse, downed trees)
- Approximate date/time the damage occurred
- Upload photos (recommended)
- Insurance status (insured/uninsured/unknown)
Important: Reporting damage here does not replace filing a claim with your insurance provider, FEMA, or other government-operated assistance program. It supplements countywide assessment for disaster response planning.
How Debris Cleanup is Handled
Who is Responsible?
- Volusia County provides debris removal in unincorporated areas only.
- If you live within city limits, contact your local city or town for specific instructions.
What to Expect:
- Crews begin debris removal only after roads are cleared for emergency vehicles and storm conditions have passed.
- Debris is collected in multiple passes over several weeks. Don't worry if your pile is not picked up immediately.
- Contracted haulers work with FEMA and County staff to ensure cleanup is efficient and eligible for reimbursement.
- Most of the debris removal is conducted by contracted haulers; therefore, the County is not able to provide an estimated timeframe of when debris may be removed from a specific property.
Debris Separation Guide: What Goes Where
Debris must be sorted into distinct piles and placed curbside, not in bags or containers, to ensure pickup and FEMA reimbursement eligibility. Debris not properly sorted will not be collected.
1. Vegetative Debris (Green Pile)
- Tree branches, trunks, limbs, shrubs, leaves
- Remove soil from roots
- Do not bag or mix with other debris
2. Construction & Demolition Debris (C&D)
- Damaged building materials: drywall, insulation, carpet, roofing shingles, siding
- Damaged furniture and fencing
- Avoid mixing with vegetative material
3. White Goods (Appliances)
- Refrigerators, washers/dryers, freezers, stoves, water heaters, air conditioners
4. Electronics
- Televisions, computers, phones, printers, radios
5. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
- Paint cans, pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, batteries, propane tanks
- Do not place HHW at the curb—these materials should be taken to the Tomoka Landfill located at 1990 Tomoka Farms Road in Port Orange.
Curbside Placement Tips:
- Keep piles away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, utility poles, and storm drains
- Do not place under trees or low-hanging wires
- Separate from regular garbage and recycling
- Keep debris clear of driveways and sidewalks
What to Do Before You Start Removing Damaged Materials
1. Photograph Everything
Take wide shots and close-ups of every area of damage—interior and exterior. This is vital for insurance claims and FEMA verification.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Don’t discard high-value or insured items before you check with your provider. Some may require a physical inspection before authorizing replacement or reimbursement.
3. Check for Permitting Requirements
Many structural repairs—such as replacing a roof, removing load-bearing walls, or demolishing damaged sections—require a building permit.
Visit the Post-Storm Permitting Page
Examples of repairs that typically require permits:
- Roof replacement
- Electrical panel or service replacement
- Plumbing system repairs
- Structural repairs or demolition
- Rebuilding a deck, garage, or carport
4. Watch for Hazards
- Do not attempt to restore power to water-damaged electrical systems
- Avoid handling wet drywall or insulation without protective gear—may contain mold or asbestos
- Have your HVAC system professionally inspected before turning it back on
FEMA Assistance Overview
If the damage in Volusia County meets federal thresholds, the President may issue a Major Disaster Declaration, making Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) programs available.
Individual Assistance May Include:
- Temporary housing costs (hotel, rental assistance)
- Grants for home repairs not covered by insurance
- Replacement of essential items (furniture, appliances, clothing)
- Disaster-related medical, dental, or funeral expenses
- Childcare, transportation, and moving/storage assistance
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
FEMA assistance is meant to cover essential needs only—not full replacement value.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance once a Disaster is Declared
FEMA recommends applying as soon as possible once the declaration is issued.
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
By Phone
📞 800-621-FEMA (3362)
📞 TTY: 800-462-7585
📞 Lines open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET
Multilingual support available
Mobile App
Download the FEMA app to:
- Apply for assistance
- Upload documents
- Check application status
- Receive weather alerts and safety info
📍 FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)
Following a major disaster, FEMA may open one or more Disaster Recovery Centers in Volusia County. These are temporary walk-in locations where residents can speak with FEMA staff, ask questions, and get help completing their application.
Services Available at DRCs:
- Application assistance
- Appeal guidance
- Help uploading documentation
- SBA disaster loan information
- State and local recovery resources
Key Contact Information
FEMA
- 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- www.fema.gov
- App: Search "FEMA" in your app store
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
- 850-815-4000
- www.FloridaDisaster.org
Public Works
- Road and Bridge: 386-82-6422
Volusia County Emergency Management
- 386-254-1500
- www.volusia.org/emergency
