FEMA trailers for those impacted by Hurricane Michael arrive in Marianna

Nov. 18--MARIANNA -- Emergency travel trailers are finally beginning to arrive for inspections before heading out to provide shelter for those displaced by Hurricane Michael.

Rather than arriving in large waves, these units are instead trickling in to the staging site in Marianna near the airport, going through inspection and then heading to their assignment for up to 18 months.

"This is a staging area where FEMA is receiving both travel trailers and mobile homes," said FEMA Public Information Officer Nate Custer. "We are inspecting them, and then we are sending them down to be used by people who are eligible."

Each inspection checks for defects and lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.

"This is part of the direct housing that we provide," said Custer. "Bare in mind, though, this is temporary."

People staying in federally sponsored housing will be matched with a FEMA representative and contacted periodically to make sure progress is being made in finding their own unit.

"People need to be working on a long term recovery plan to get back fully on their feet, to have repairs made, to make whatever long term housing arrangements."

FEMA units are arriving as both travel trailers and mobile homes, depending on family size. Each come with basic necessities such as plumbing, electricity and beds to sleep. Custer said each unit is brand new and will also come with a set of dishes.

Custer said local governments have waived zoning restrictions that previously barred residents from keeping travel trailers and mobile homes in their yards.

"What we're trying to do for those deemed eligible is put it right on their property, on their lot," he said. "If the debris can be cleared out of the way then presumably there are utilities that are working. So it's the easiest approach to locate these and to get them up and running."

These units are one element of interim housing provided by FEMA. Other, often more immediate elements to FEMA housing are placing applicants into rental housings or hotel rooms at government expense.

The field next to the Marianna airport was chosen for staging due to it's expansive location and it's proximity to the interstate.

Units will be assigned to families following evaluations and interviews.

"Everyone's housing situation is a little bit different so you can't make a blanket statement about these," he said.

Travel trailers began arriving at the staging area on Wednesday. According to Custer, many trailers are coming from vendors in Selma, Alabama and some from Jacksonville, Florida.

"These aren't going to be luxurious units," he said. "But they're going to be functional and equipped with a sprinkler system, smoke detector ... the basic necessities."

Each unit will undergo a small process for flattening the lot, if necessary, and for utility installation. None of the units will be placed in flood-prone areas.

For people still needing assistance for issues not covered by insurance, Custer recommends homeowners and renters apply for SBA loans, which can provide low interest loans for up to 30 years.

"For people that get a FEMA grant ... and a combination of an SBA loan, that can make a big difference for them."

The deadline to fill out an SBA loan is December 10th.

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