Georgia Storm Recovery Guide

Release Date

For Survivors of the January Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding in Southwest Georgia

A CHECKLIST FOR DISASTER SURVIVORS

Things to keep in mind to help in your recovery:

  • Call your insurance agent;
  • Register with FEMA for uninsured and underinsured losses;
  • Receive a FEMA Inspection;
  • Complete and return SBA loan application if you receive one;
  • Read all FEMA correspondence carefully;
  • Use your FEMA grant funds wisely;
  • Stay in touch: Update your info if necessary, ask questions, resolve concerns.

There’s more here: http://go.usa.gov/x9hg5

The deadline to register with FEMA is March 27, 2017.

Applying for disaster assistance is a two-step process, which ensures survivors are considered for FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the no-obligation SBA disaster loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it. See http://go.usa.gov/x9hg8.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go to the DRC locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

Tell your friends and neighbors with disaster damage to register, too. If you know someone who suffered storm-related damage, please share this important information.

FREE GUIDE AVAILABLE

A free guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster. It is available in several languages.

HELP WITH TEMPORARY HOUSING

FEMA can help you locate temporary rental resources. You can get information on housing resources by calling FEMA’s hotline or visiting FEMA’s housing portal at: asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR DETERMINATION LETTER

If you have questions about the letter you received for FEMA assistance, a representative can explain. Call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.

Every survivor has the right to appeal. If you disagree with FEMA's determination of eligibility or the form of assistance provided, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of the date of your notification letter.

Send appeal letters toAppeals Officer, FEMA - IHPNational Processing Service Center,P.O. Box 10055Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055Appeals letters may be faxed to (800) 827-8112 Attention FEMA Appeals Officer

 

HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those of you who use 711 or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. When you call FEMA with further questions, you should refer to the nine-digit registration number you received when originally applying for aid.

BUILDING BACK STRONGER

FEMA maintains an extensive online library, including bilingual and multimedia resources, which describe the measures contractors or do-it-yourselfers can take to reduce risks to property. FEMA publications can be viewed online and downloaded to any computer.

Find out how to protect your property at go.usa.gov/cuWtQ. This page offers a comprehensive overview of available publications to help protect your home or business against hazards including earthquakes, fire, flood, high winds and others.

SOME IMPORTANT WEBSITES:

For updates on Georgia’s current disaster response and recovery, follow @GeorgiaEMA and @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and visit gemhsa.ga.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4294 or fema.gov/disaster/4297.

Dos and Don’ts for Survivors of the January Storms

DO

  • Do file a claim with your insurance company.
  • Do register for FEMA disaster assistance.
  • Do inspect for structural damage before entering your home.
  • Do report tornado damage to local officials.
  • Do take photographs of tornado damage. Your insurance company may want to see these.
  • Do keep recovery-related receipts. FEMA or your insurance company may want to see the receipts. 


DON’T 

  • Don’t submit more than one registration per household.
  • Don’t wait for visits from FEMA or insurance adjusters before cleaning up tornado damage and starting repairs.
  • Don’t wait for an insurance settlement to register.
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