ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Those in need of assistance from the recent hurricanes now have a little more time to get help. 

What You Need To Know

  • FEMA deadline extended to Jan. 7

  • Specialist Yamil Burgos assists members of the deaf community through the FEMA prcoess

  • At the Enoch D. Davis Center, they've helped nearly 50 members of the deaf community since opening Nov. 10 

FEMA has extended the deadline for those affected by Hurricane Helene and Milton to Jan. 7. 

“We noticed there are still people in need, people who need assistance, who still need to apply for FEMA because there’s still a lot of damages in their houses,” FEMA Media Relations Specialist Karixia Ortiz said. 

However, there are times when people come in for assistance and struggle to communicate because they speak another language or use American Sign Language.

That’s when specialist Yamil Burgos can step up. 

“When they can come into a DRC, Disaster Recovery Center, and see someone signing this and understanding them in their native language, it causes them to be more relaxed, more comfortable with the process that FEMA has,” Yamil signed.  

Yamil is one team member at the Enoch D. Davis Center in St. Petersburg to communicate with the deaf.

His job is to make sure they are still able to get the help they need during this challenging time. 

Since the center first opened on Nov. 10, his team has assisted nearly 50 people in the deaf community.

“It feels like they’re always butting their heads up against a wall,” Yamil signed. “But when there’s another deaf individual in a position that can assist them, it allows the communication to go smoothly.” 

Yamil said he can see the stress leave the faces of the people he assists once he begins to sign with them. 

Knowing the frustrations he’s had at times trying to communicate it means a lot to him to be able to make this process smoother for others.

“I encourage if you’re impacted, if you’re in the deaf community or not, if you’re in the deaf community and you’re not sure what to do, come into the disaster relief recovery center,” he signed. “We have people who can work with you and help you to better understand.”