Thomas, Worth Counties in Georgia Added to Disaster Declaration

Release Date Release Number
DR-4297-DR NR-008
Release Date:
February 6, 2017

THOMASVILLE, Ga. -- Residents of Thomas and Worth Counties who suffered damage in the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding of Jan. 21-22 are now encouraged to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance.

Applying for disaster assistance is a two-step process that ensures consideration for FEMA programs and SBA disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Residents of Thomas and Worth counties who have already pre-registered with FEMA do not need to apply again, but are encouraged to follow up with their application. Registering with other organizations, such as the Red Cross, is not the same as registering with FEMA.

To register with FEMA:

  • Log onto DisasterAssistance.gov;
  • Download the official FEMA app at Google Play or the Apple App Store;
    Or, visit fema.gov/mobile-app. to download the app.

  • 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. If you use 711 or VRS or require accommodations while visiting a center, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find the nearest center in southwest Georgia, log onto fema.gov and search for FEMA: DRC Locator.

Going to a DRC is not a requirement of registration, but specialists there provide guidance regarding disaster recovery and rental resources, explain written correspondence received from FEMA, inform survivors of the status of their application, make referrals to other organizations and answer questions.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

Berrien, Cook, Crisp, Dougherty, Turner and Wilcox counties were previously designated eligible for Individual Assistance by the presidential declaration of Jan. 26.

Disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed personal property, medical and dental expenses. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may also be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Federal disaster aid does not affect other government benefits, such as Social Security and Medicaid, and is not considered taxable income. Only one person per household is eligible to register. Survivors must use the name that appears on their Social Security card and have insurance and disaster information available at registration.

Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.

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

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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