Disaster Officials Offer Tips To Speed Assistance
Release Date: February 19, 2008
Release Number: 1745-006
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Disaster recovery officials encourage Tennessee residents dealing with damage and loss from the severe storms and tornadoes of Feb. 5-6 to adopt a take-charge action plan to help speed the possibility of obtaining state and federal disaster aid:
- Apply as soon as possible. Homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered losses must call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tele-registration line to apply for assistance at (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585, or go online at www.fema.gov.
- Apply, even if you are insured. Your insurance coverage may not be adequate and some foundation damage may not show up until later. Anyone who suffered any damage or loss should apply for assistance.
- Remember, disaster assistance covers a wide range of losses. Disaster-related damage or loss of essential personal property, anything from a wheelchair to a major appliance, may qualify for some form of federal/state assistance.
- Stay in touch and keep appointments. After you have applied for disaster assistance, a FEMA inspector will make an appointment to visit your home, usually within two to three days. Make every effort to be at home or call to change the appointment by using the FEMA tele-registration line at (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Federal and State officials are available to meet with residents of the designated counties, Benton, Hardin, Hickman, Houston, Macon, Madison, Montgomery, Perry, Shelby, Sumner, Trousdale and Williamson.
- Return all forms promptly. After applying, you may receive a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loan application package in the mail. Fill out and return these forms promptly since they are an essential part of the disaster-assistance process.
- Rebuild with disaster prevention in mind. If you receive an emergency housing repair grant from FEMA, a follow-up letter will arrive after you receive your check. That letter will identify the purpose of the grant and will highlight the need to make repairs that will lessen the risks of future losses.
What to Expect After Applying
If you are deemed eligible for disaster assistance, you will receive a letter from FEMA providing guidance on your disaster relief grant.
FEMA disaster assistance is not intended to restore you to your pre-disaster condition. It is to help you get safe and sanitary housing and meet your other critical needs so you can begin your long-term recovery. The SBA offers low-interest federal disaster loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
You can call the tele-registration line for answers to your questions about federal assistance. If you are not satisfied with FEMA's decision on your application, you can file an appeal in writing to the address listed in the letter you receive. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date of the FEMA letter.
Before starting any repairs or reconstruction, check with local building officials on what permits and inspections might be needed. If you were displaced from your home and incurred hotel or motel expenses, save those receipts and check with FEMA on how you might be reimbursed.
File your insurance claim as soon as possible. Failure to file within 12 months can affect your eligibility for FEMA assistance. Call FEMA if your insurance settlement is delayed, if it does not cover your loss, or if your additional living expense benefit is exhausted.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Feb-2008 18:26:11