FEMA Assistance Available To Storm Victims, Communities

February 8, 2008, WASHINGTON – On Thursday evening (Feb. 7), President Bush declared Sumner and Macon counties to be major disaster areas, making residents eligible for federal aid to assist with costs related to the recent storms and tornadoes.

“As Tennesseans recover from these devastating storms, this disaster declaration will provide much-needed assistance,” said U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon. “The costs of temporary housing, repairing or rebuilding homes and replacement of personal belongings add up quickly.”

Individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency can provide help to qualifying county residents for the costs of home repairs, replacing and cleaning household items and appliances, and other storm-related expenses. To register for assistance, residents should call 1-800-621-FEMA or visit www.fema.gov.

Gordon is urging homeowners to register with FEMA even if they have insurance.

“If your homeowners insurance covers only a portion of necessary repairs to your home, individual assistance from FEMA may help,” said Gordon. “Taking time to register now may save hundreds of dollars down the road.”

Public assistance from FEMA is available for local governments and some private nonprofit organizations, including educational, emergency and medical facilities.

“Local communities face enormous expenses immediately following a disaster,” said Gordon. “Debris removal, repairs to public buildings and overtime wages for emergency personnel can crush local governments. Federal assistance can help our communities cope with the mounting costs in the aftermath of this storm.”

Categories for public assistance include debris removal; emergency protective measures; road systems and bridges; water control facilities; public buildings and contents; public utilities; and parks, recreation and other.

“Anyone who needs help in applying for federal assistance can call my office for help,” said Gordon.

Gordon’s Murfreesboro office can be reached at (615) 896-1986.