Georgians Affected by May 11-12 Tornadoes Can Apply for Disaster Assistance
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
- Organization: Federal Emergency Management Agency
ATLANTA - Ten Georgia counties are now eligible for Individual Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from the effects of the severe storms and tornadoes that ravaged Georgia May 11 and 12.
"We are pleased to receive the federal support in the 10 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."
Residents of Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh and Twiggs counties are now eligible for individual assistance. Those who suffered damages in any of the designated counties may complete an online application at www.fema.gov or apply by phone by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech-impaired. The tollfree numbers are available seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Help in other languages is available.
"We urge residents to apply as soon as possible. They do not have to wait for an insurance inspection to begin the registration process," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Jeff Bryant. "The state is a great partner 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.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations pay for their disaster losses, according to SBA officials. They also will meet with applicants one-on-one and assist them in filling out their loan applications. Anyone not able to visit a center should call 1-800-659-2955 for SBA assistance or visit the Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
