FEMA Disaster Legal Services

NAPLES, Fla., Sept. 16 -- Collier County issued the following news release:

Under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 1974, when the President declares a disaster, FEMA, through an agreement with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association, provides free legal help for survivors of that disaster through a request from the local, state, tribal or territorial governments. Disaster Legal Services (DLS) provides legal assistance to low-income individuals who, prior to or because of the disaster, are unable to secure adequate legal services to meet their disaster related needs.

DLS is provided for survivors of presidentially declared major disasters only. Disaster legal advice is limited to cases that will not produce a fee.

Cases that may generate a fee are turned over to the local lawyer referral service.

The following are types of disaster legal assistance local lawyers typically provide:

* Help with insurance claimes for doctor and hospital bill, loss of property, loss of life, etc.

* Drawing up new wills and other legal papers lost in the disaster

* Help with home repair contracts and contractors

* Advice on problems with landlords

Florida Disaster Legal Services is: 866-550-2929

The Collier County Information Hotline remains active 24-hours a day. Residents with questions may call the Hotline at (239) 252-8444 (within Collier County residents may dial 311).

Information can also be found at colliergov.net or social media channels, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/CollierGov) and Twitter (@CollierPIO).