News and Media: Disaster 4617

FEMA provides several types of grants following a presidentially declared disaster. Individual Assistance offers help to individuals and families; Public Assistance assists state, local and tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit agencies; and Hazard Mitigation assists state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in reducing long-term risk.

Residents of Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who were impacted by Tropical Storm Fred have until Nov. 8, 2021 to apply for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Property owners can protect themselves from financial losses by having a flood insurance policy through the NFIP. Flood insurance coverage is available regardless of federal disaster declarations. Insurance for contents is also available to renters. There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so don't wait to obtain a policy.

FEMA reminds western North Carolina residents who have received federal disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Fred to use the money for its intended purpose and to keep receipts for three years.

Applying for federal disaster assistance from FEMA will not affect other federal benefits that western North Carolina disaster survivors may receive.