FEMA awards nearly $2M to local flood victims so far

Just over a month ago, powerful storms throughout the state resulted in the largest flood in Dyer County history. As of Friday, June 11, 538 applicants have registered with FEMA in Dyer County, with $1,925,394.06 awarded locally through FEMA's Individuals and Households Program.

FEMA registration also opens the door for loans from the Small Business Administration.

Since the weather event causing severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding throughout the state six weeks ago, the SBA has approved 1,446 applications awarding $65,100,400 statewide.

Altogether, over $200 million in federal disaster grants and low-interest loans has been approved for those affected by the Tennessee storms and flooding since President Obama pronounced a major disaster declaration on May 4. Since that time, nearly 62,000 people have registered with the FEMA for federal assistance, but the deadline to qualify for aid for this disaster is quickly approaching.

The deadline to register with FEMA is July 6.

To register or receive more information on eligibility for FEMA programs, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585, or register online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov before the July 6 deadline.

FEMA Field PIO Michael McCurdy offers the following tips for residents affected by the recent weather events:

"Many options are available to storm and flood survivors to take charge of their recovery, whether they are still waiting to find out if they are eligible for disaster assistance or have already received it," said McCurdy in a recent press release. "Here are some tips and resources to help applicants proceed along the road to a smart recovery."

* Register before the deadline on July 6

If you had damage from the severe storms and flooding that took place between April 30 and May 18, the deadline to register is July 6. Register with FEMA online at www. DisasterAssistance. gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

* Follow-up

If you have questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Locations can be found at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/drcLocator.jsp.

* Complete all paperwork

If you receive a disaster loan application from the SBA, complete and return it, even if you are not interested in taking out a loan. Failure to fill out an SBA application will prevent referral for other possible federal assistance.

* Housing

For those who have been displaced and need a home to rent, thousands of rental listings can be found at FEMA's housing portal at asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm. Also, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency sponsors a free, statewide rental house database of available properties. Online access is available at http://TNHousingSearch.org or by calling 877-428-8844.

* Job loss due to disaster

You may be eligible for unemployment assistance if the storms and flooding affected your ability to work. File a claim at 877-813-0950. For information about deadlines and locations go to http://www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/unemp... dua.html.

* Low-interest loans

The SBA offers low-interest, long-term disaster loans to homeowners and renters as well as businesses. Find more information at www.sba.gov.

* Crisis counseling

It is normal to experience stress while rebuilding after a disaster. If you feel you are having trouble coping, short-term crisis counseling referrals are available at any nearby Disaster Recovery Center or online at www.tn.gov/mental. Or call 800-809-9957.

* Legal services

Call the disaster legal assistance hotline at 888-395-9297. This is a joint project by the Tennessee Bar Association, the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Assistance, the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division and local legal organizations. The hotline is a source of advice on insurance claims, landlord-tenant problems, home-repair contracts, mortgage foreclosure problems, replacement of legal documents and other disaster-related matters.

* Volunteer help

If you need additional clothing, furniture or other supplies, call Tennessee's 2-1-1 line. You may also be eligible for assistance with cleaning your house, removing mold and other flood-related household repairs.

McCurdy and FEMA officials also caution residents to be on the lookout for fraud and report any suspicious or fraudulent activity by calling the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. The call is completely confidential.