News and Media: Disaster 4727

If you are a resident of Jackson and Jasper counties who applied for FEMA assistance for recovery from the June tornadoes, you will get a letter from FEMA. If that letter states “Assistance Not Approved,” take the time to understand why. A “no” may become a “yes.”

Call Disaster Legal Services at 1-877-691-6185 for free legal services, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please leave a voicemail message if prompted and an attorney will return your call.

One month after the major disaster declaration for the June 14 -19 severe storms and tornadoes in Mississippi, $3.8 million and counting in federal support has been approved by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). FEMA expects the amount to increase as more people apply.

Residents of Jackson and Jasper counties who couldn’t work as a direct result of the June 14-19 severe storms and tornadoes may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The deadline to apply is quickly approaching -- it’s this Friday, Sept. 15.

FEMA is bringing its Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach specialists to home improvement and hardware stores in or near the communities affected by the June tornadoes and severe storms. These specialists can offer people tips about repairing, rebuilding, and improving their homes so these dwellings can better withstand severe weather.