Hurricane Dorian disaster financial assistance program opened

Applications are now being accepted from Nova Scotians who suffered uninsurable losses as a result of Hurricane Dorian.

The provincial government announced the program on Dec. 19 to help individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have uninsurable claims and municipalities with uninsured losses.

“Hurricane Dorian caused widespread damage across Nova Scotia and its effects were felt from Yarmouth to Sydney. Based on information we received from municipalities and provincial departments, the damage is estimated to be about $11 million,” said Chuck Porter, Minister responsible for emergency management. “This program helps people and communities get back on their feet after a disaster. It covers the costs of basic household items like appliances and furniture, as well as basic repairs of structural damage to a home or business that are not insurable.”

Homeowners, renters, not-for profit organizations that provide essential services to their communities and small businesses with revenues not exceeding $2 million can apply to the disaster financial assistance program. Up to $200,000 in funding is available per household, small business or not-for-profit. There is no deductible.

Food loss is not covered by this program. Food lost in power outages could have been covered by insurance. Vehicle damages are also not covered.

Further information and applications are available online at https://beta.novascotia.ca/ government/emergency-management-office

Applications are also available at Access Nova Scotia offices as well as MLA offices.

More information is also available by calling 2-1-1.

The deadline to apply for assistance is March 31.

Nova Scotia was hit by Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 7, 2019 earning the distinction as the largest and most powerful storm to impact the province in recorded history. At one point, more than 400,000 households were without electrical power.

The last disaster financial assistance program was implemented in October 2016 following historic flooding in Nova Scotia.