Alabama Severe Storms and Tornadoes

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Applying for Assistance

Homeowners, renters and business owners in Calhoun, Cullman, and Etowah counties are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as they may be eligible for disaster assistance.

3 Ways to Register:

• Online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov 
• By Phone: 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585

Information You Will Need:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged home or apartment
• Description of the damage
• Information about insurance coverage
• A current contact telephone number
• An address where you can receive mail
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

What to Expect After You Apply

Once homeowners register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a FEMA housing inspector will call to schedule an inspection for those living in designated counties. Here’s what survivors need to know about the inspection process:

Everyone should know:

• The FEMA inspector will show a photo ID badge.
• If you are not shown photo identification, then do not allow the inspection.
• If you suspect someone is posing as a FEMA inspector, call your local law enforcement agency.
• You may receive visits from more than one inspector. Other inspectors may represent federal, state, parish and local government agencies, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the National Flood Insurance Program and/or insurance companies.       
• Representatives of volunteer agencies may contact you to offer their services.

Before the FEMA inspection, it’s important that you know:

• An adult 18 or older who lived in the residence before the disaster must be present for the inspection.
• That person must have the following documents:
  • Photo identification;
  • Proof of ownership and occupancy of the damaged residence such as: property tax bill; mortgage payment bill or receipt, or utility service bill;
  • Homeowner and vehicle insurance documents;
  • List of persons living in residence at time of disaster that you compiled; and
  • List of disaster damage to the home and its contents that you compiled.

Beware of Fraud & Scams When Seeking Disaster Assistance

After a disaster scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Survivors should keep in mind:

• Federal and state workers never ask for, or accept money, and always carry identification badges
• There is NO FEE required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state
• Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person

Understanding a FEMA Determination Letter

If you apply for FEMA help due to losses from the March 19-20, 2018, tornadoes and severe storms in Calhoun, Cullman or Etowah counties, you will or have received a determination letter confirming a grant amount or that your application for federal assistance is “ineligible” or “incomplete.”

If ineligible or incomplete, be sure to read the letter all the way through to the end to see what the reason is. Keep in mind there may be more than one reason why you are ineligible or your application is incomplete.

Everyone has the right to appeal FEMA’s determination. Many times applicants just need to submit some extra documents for FEMA to process the application. Sometimes there is more than one problem in your application.

FEMA can reconsider your application in some cases if you:

• Submit insurance documents. Provide documents from your insurance company that verify your coverage or settlement is insufficient to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay or replace certain contents. FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.
• Prove occupancy. Provide documents that prove the damaged home or rental was your primary residence by supplying a copy of a utility bill, driver’s license or lease agreement.
• Prove ownership. Provide documents such as mortgage papers or insurance policies, tax receipts or a deed. If you don’t have a deed at hand, contact your local or county officials about obtaining a copy.

A brochure, “Help after a Disaster” explains what you need to provide in your appeal. The brochure is available online at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

Your letter should include:

• Your full name
• Your FEMA registration number on all pages
• The FEMA this disaster declaration number – DR-4362-AL – on all pages
• Your signature

You must mail or fax documents and your letter within 60 days of receiving your determination letter to:

FEMA National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

Or, fax to 800-827-8112, attention: FEMA Individuals and Households Programs.