And it's not just public funds - all my friends have insurance (I rent). Those that sustained damage will be covered by insurance, except for the deductible. After Andrew, the insurance cos. changed the way they insure - now, your deductible is 2 - 5% of the VALUE of the home. You own a $200,000 home and have a 2% ded. - you pay $4,000. Also - the deductible comes into play for each different instance of damage. For example if Charley ripped apart your roof, you have to pay the deductible. If Frances then trashes your poarch, you pay the deductible again. And FEMA does not cover the expense of most deductibles, so no one I know will get Federal Assitance for repairing their homes.