How FEMA Helps After a Storm

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

A flood, tornado, hurricane, mudslide, earthquake or wildfire is an event outside your control.

If a disaster were to strike your property in Greeneville, TN, you may be entitled to federal assistance. America’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was created in 1979 to help our country’s citizens prepare for and cope with natural and manmade disasters. The agency not only provides emergency shelter, it also teams with inspectors to assess damage to people’s homes and determine eligibility for many kinds of financial assistance.

How Federal Assistance Works

In the aftermath of a disaster in which federal assistance has been activated by the U.S. President to help victims, there are a few actions homeowners can take to move the process along. Self-advocacy is key to getting the ball rolling.

• Reach out for government assistance through your local disaster assistance center or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov to determine what kind of help is available. There will be an application process.
• Provide proof of identity and ownership of the damaged property. The deed to the home must be kept in a safe place, perhaps offsite.
• A FEMA inspector will tour your home, obtain a list of current residents, document losses associated with events such as high winds and flooding, and ascertain the status of your home insurance.

If you are deemed eligible for a grant, you will receive a check or direct deposit along with a letter with directions for its use. If you do not qualify, you will receive a letter of explanation and an opportunity to appeal the decision.

A flood, tornado, hurricane, mudslide, earthquake or wildfire is an event outside your control, and once the federal government is compelled to respond, FEMA officials can step in to help. Because of the scale of these kinds of disasters, many of your neighbors will be seeking help at the same time. Patience, organization, and perseverance will be required in your shared recovery efforts. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROgreenecounty.com/.