Twelve counties in Tennessee have been designated for federal assistance for the tornado outbreak that took place in west and middle Tennessee on Dec. 10-11.
The following counties are eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, which may provide repair grants, temporary rental assistance and funding for other disaster-related needs, such as replacement of personal property and medical and childcare expenses: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Summer, Weakley, and Wilson counties.
Those affected by the tornado outbreak should keep in mind FEMA cannot duplicate benefits. Survivors in these counties can apply for FEMA assistance in the following ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
Operators can answer questions about applications already submitted. Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
- Downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet.
Information to have ready when you apply includes:
- Your address at the time of the disaster
- The address where you are now staying
- A current phone number where you can be reached
- Insurance information
- Your Social Security number
- Pre-disaster household gross annual income
- Routing and account numbers for a checking or savings account so FEMA may directly transfer disaster assistance funds to you.
FEMA assistance for homeowners and renters may include:
- Grants for rent and repairs to make their primary home habitable
- Help with other serious disaster-related needs like replacing essential household items, uninsured or out-of-pocket medical, dental, funeral or burial costs, transportation, and reimbursements for moving and storage expenses.
Home Inspections:
- If you applied to FEMA and said you are unable to live in your home because of disaster damage caused by the tornadoes, FEMA may contact you to set up a home inspection to view the damage. If you need accommodations for language or disability, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) and let the specialists know your needs. This is also the time to update FEMA with the number assigned to you if you use a relay service.
- Residents with minimal damage who can live in their homes will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection when applying for FEMA assistance. Instead, you may receive a FEMA letter asking that you call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. During this call, you can request an inspection if you find significant disaster-caused damage to your home.
It is helpful to photograph or video the damage and keep all receipts and contractors’ estimates for repair work.