Suffer Storm Damage at Your Capitola-Soquel Residence of Business? If So, County Wants Your Help

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – Local governments in Santa Cruz County are asking residents to fill out an online survey in the hope of securing federal assistance in the wake of the region's string of powerful storms.

Several cities and the county set up the ten-question survey that asks about the type and extent of storm damage to property, where and when it occurred and the contact information of the person answering the questions.

The survey will be used to gather information only and is not a request for assistance, county officials say.

People can report damage to buildings, landslide and property damage, personal property losses, damages to private roads and bridges, loss of privately owned water systems and damage to homeowners' association common areas, among other things.

If enough people report having suffered significant damage, the federal Small Business Administration could declare a disaster for the county, thereby freeing up low-interest loans for residents and business owners who need help rebuilding after the storms.

People who think the storm damage amounts to 40 percent of the value of their property and are uninsured are especially encouraged to apply, according to county officials.

"If we have 25 properties that have a minimum of 40 percent of uninsured damages... (the SBA) could open up the program to everyone in the area," said Santa Cruz County spokesman Jason Hoppin.

The SBA has already issued a disaster declaration for the county, but only covering period between Jan. 3 to Jan. 12, Hoppin said.

"We've got damages all over Santa Cruz County beyond those dates," Hoppin said. "This would open up more availability for our residents."

To fill out the survey, people should visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r... or call 211.

People who need an immediate safety evaluation for their property should call the county's storm safety assessment line at (831) 454-3171 or visit
http://sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/BuildingSafety/2017StormInformation.aspx.

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--Bay City News/Photo from Aptos courtesy of Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office