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Recovery Update: Severe Storms and Flooding in Middle Tennessee

Release Date:
Tháng 9 14, 2021

Residents of Dickson, Hickman, Houston and Humphreys counties affected by severe storms and flooding on Aug. 21, 2021 can apply for federal assistance, which may include grants for temporary housing, repairs and other uninsured losses. Funding is also available in these counties through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program to protect and restore eligible public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings, parks, private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) and houses of worship. Public Assistance is a cost share reimbursement program: 75% FEMA and 25% Applicant.

KEY MESSAGES

  • Some Tennesseans who have applied to FEMA may receive – or have received – a letter stating their claim is ineligible for payment. If you receive that letter, you may be able to change the outcome. Many times, it’s a simple fix. An application is often denied because additional information is needed.
    • You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to write an appeal letter explaining why you disagree with the agency’s decision. Your letter should include documentation supporting what’s outlined in your appeal letter. Submit the appeal to your disasterassistance.gov account or fax it to 800-827-8112. A copy may also be mailed to FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
    • Once FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter within 90 days.
  • So far, the following federal disaster assistance has been approved (as of Sept. 13, 2021).
    • Individuals & Households Program
      • Individuals and Households Program Assistance: $4,476,637
      • Housing Assistance: $3,317,820
      • Other Needs: $1,126,720
      • Housing Inspections Issued:1,208
      • Housing Inspections Completed: 1,133
      • SBA approved 46 low-interest disaster home loans for over $2.7 million.
      • So far more than 1,772 people have called FEMA’s application number for information or to apply for assistance.
  • FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance nor can it make the survivor whole. Federal assistance from FEMA only provides funds for basic repairs for a home to be safe, sanitary and livable—such as damage to the roof, critical utilities, windows and doors. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate assistance from insurance or other sources.
  • Survivors seeking Disaster Assistance from FEMA must apply with FEMA. Registration with other agencies or organizations does not mean an individual has applied for FEMA assistance.
  • Survivors Can Apply for FEMA Assistance in any of the following ways:
    • Online through DisasterAssistance.gov
    • Download the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet.
    • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
    • Because of the recent hurricane and other severe storms, flooding and fires across the country, wait times may be long. Please be patient. 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 a videophone, InnoCaption, or CapTel, give FEMA the number for that service.
  • A Multi-Agency Resource Center is open in Humphreys County for those who would like to speak in person about disaster assistance with a representative from local, state, and federal agencies and voluntary organizations. FEMA and SBA will have representatives there to help survivors apply for federal programs and assistance.
    • The Humphreys County MARC is located at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 109 N. Church St., in Waverly. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Central, Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 pm on Sundays.
  • Businesses and individuals may obtain information about low-interest disaster loans by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster.
    • The SBA is operating one Business Recovery Center (BRC), where any disaster survivor can get assistance with their disaster loan application:
      • Waverly City Hall, 101 E. Main St., Waverly, TN 37185/Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Houses of Worship that experienced damage from the Aug. 21 severe storms and flooding may be eligible for funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance program to repair disaster-related damage.
  • FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to protect and restore disaster-damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings, parks, private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) and houses of worship. The program is funded by FEMA and administered through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). Federal cost share is 75% with the remaining 25% covered by the applicant.
    • Interested parties must submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) within 30 days of the Public Assistance declaration in their county. Deadlines Below:
      • Applicants within Dickson and Hickman Counties:  September 31, 2021
      • Applicants within Houston County:  September 24, 2021
      • Applicants within Humphreys County:  September 22, 2021
    • For more information how to submit an RPA, please visit the TEMA Public Assistance website.

For more information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit Middle Tennessee Flood Recovery and Tennessee Severe Storms (DR-4609-TN) | FEMA.gov.. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

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