Will disaster relief move to Florida after Michael hits?

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Nearly one month after Florence hit our coast, Wilmington residents are preparing once again. With the high potential for more rain and strong winds from Hurricane Michael, some residents like Jeff Callier are not ready for another blow. He is still waiting for adjusters to assess his roof damage.

“If we get a heavy wind it might blow off the tarps and then more water damage… hopefully that wont happen,” said Callier.

Callier says he contacted FEMA immediately after Florence hit. He says they responded quickly but he is still working with them and his insurance but, he says he just doesn’t have enough time.

“We haven’t had enough time to prepare to even fix the roofs that are leaking,” said Callier. “Preparation takes a while… the roofing companies that are out here from all over are doing the best they can.”

Tuesday, he spoke with FEMA mitigation specialists on how he can prevent any additional damage in the future.

But, FEMA Mitigation Specialist Joy Shannon says whether its Michael coming in a few days or any future disaster these tips work.

“First, we talk about the importance of flood insurance,” said Shannon. “Secondly, we go through the damages in their home and we help them think of things they’ve just not thought of like if the damages are from the bottom we talk to them about checking their foundation,if need be. We talk to them about checking their cross space to see if their is any mold. ”

She says FEMA is here to stay until the end.

“When we are assigned to a state, we stay and finish that disaster,” said Shannon. “They will get other FEMA staff persons to go to the new disaster but no once we are assigned to a state they don’t just yank us out.”

Shannon says the most common question people ask is how to treat mold. She urges residents to use masks and gloves whenever dealing with mold.

Shannon and other FEMA specialists will be stationed at Home Depot at 5511 Carolina Beach Road until October 26th from 7 AM to 6 PM.