Wanda Banfield is disabled and relies on her oxygen tank — so she prepared for last week’s hurricane.
“The last big storm that we had, even Helene, it flickered but we never lost power,” stated Banfield. “We don’t usually lose power.”
To her surprise, a tornado hit several homes less than half a mile out, leaving her without power for four days.
“We lost two freezers full of food and a refrigerator full of food,” argued Banfield. “But we are far more blessed than some other people.”
Region St Lucie County
FEMA faces challenges in St. Lucie County due to worker shortage
Romelo Styles
Banfield says she bulked up on goods, and lost thousands of dollars worth of food. Because of her disability, she applied for FEMA assistance — to help with food and supplies.
“I knew they weren’t going to send me no $3,000-4,000 check,” assured Banfield. “I didn’t apply for any structural damage. I didn’t have any structural damage. I only clicked the box where it said for food, formula and personal items. That’s the only box that I clicked.”