Georgians Affected By Late March Storms And Flooding Can Apply For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: April 26, 2009
Release Number: 1833-001
» More Information on Georgia Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-line Winds
ATLANTA, Ga. -- People in 17 Georgia counties are now eligible for Individual Assistance from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as they recover from storms and flooding that struck Georgia beginning March 26.
"We are pleased to receive the federal support in the 17 counties approved by this disaster declaration," said Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Charley English. "The residents in these areas have been looking for the help these disaster programs can provide while they recover."
People in Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Coffee, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Pierce, Tift, Ware, Wheeler, and Worth counties who were affected by the storms are now eligible for individual assistance. Anyone who suffered damages in any of the designated counties may complete an online application at www.disasterassistance.gov or apply by phone by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech-impaired. The toll-free numbers are available seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Help in other languages is available.
"Residents should apply as soon as possible. They don't have to wait for an insurance inspection to begin the registration process," said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. "We look forward to working with the state and we anticipate a smooth operation as we move quickly to assist Georgians in their recovery efforts."
FEMA's Individual Assistance program can help eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related experiences and serious needs.
Filing damage reports with state or county emergency managers or voluntary agencies will not start the federal disaster-assistance process.
When applying for help, be sure to have the following information available:
- Your current telephone number;
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you now are staying;
- Your Social Security number, if available;
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered;
- If insured, the name of your company or agent and your policy number;
- Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property
and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other
man-made disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
Last Modified: Monday, 27-Apr-2009 08:46:37