Florida has been declared a disaster area, so residents with damage from Tropical Storm Debby are urged to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance.

Residents in Baker, Bradford, Clay and Columbia Counties can apply.

FEMA spokesman Ted Stuckey says to Call 1-800-621-FEMA or go to DisasterAssistance.gov if you’re seeking help.

FEMA will ask you for the following information:

-the telephone number where you can be reached

-address of where you lived at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying

-Social Security number

-description of damage to your property and other losses

-name of your insurance company and policy number or agent if you have property insurance

-your bank account routing information if you want FEMA to use direct deposit

FEMA is offering “individual assistance” for individual homeowners whereas “public assistance” is for government owned properties such as roads, bridges, and municipal buildings.

“We have disaster recovery centers open in several counties where individuals can go and visit and get face-to-face assistance,” Stuckey said.

He encourages people to visit those centers if you have questions about the process or want direct help from a representative.

Disaster recovery centers are open at the following locations:

Baker County

Across the street from Christian Fellowship Temple,

Apartment1

337 N. 7^th St.

MacClenny, FL 32063

Clay County

Clay County Fairgrounds, Exhibit No. 1

2497 State Road 16W

Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Columbia County

Westfield Shopping Center

484 S.W. Commerce Dr.

Lake City, FL 32055

Franklin County

Community Service Center (old Apalachicola High School)

192 14^th St.

Apalachicola, FL 32320

Stuckey says you can also send a text message to “43362” and type “DRC (your zip code)” and it will automatically send a text message back to you saying where the closest disaster recovery center is to you.

Small businesses are also encouraged to call.