Here’s How FEMA Can Help You Recover After Getting Storm Damage

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Once a large-scale disaster strikes the area around Albany, TN, one of the first to arrive is FEMA

Here’s How FEMA Can Help You Recover After Getting Storm Damage

Once a large-scale disaster strikes the area around Albany, TN, one of the first to arrive is FEMA. Many people are often left homeless, and it’s part of their job to help assist with finding shelter and to assess the need for immediate aid. Their inspectors are the front-line troops that all other aid agencies depend on for the most up-to-date information about how devastated an area is and what the federal government can do to assist those who survived the ravages of Mother Nature.

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, the immediate need is for rescue. This is typically done by local and state authorities. However, in a major disaster, such as a hurricane or widespread flooding, it isn’t uncommon for thousands to be left homeless. FEMA will first help assess which homes are able to be used and which are not safe to reenter. For those structures that are inhabitable, the next step is to meet with the homeowners to discuss what can be done. Questions they’ll ask include


Do you have insurance, including flood insurance?
What other forms of aid can you get?
Who else lives in the home?
How much damage do you have?


Documentation Is Your Friend

Hopefully, you’ve stored important documents in a safe place, such as a waterproof and fire-resistant safe or safety deposit box. If you have pictures of your property before the storm, that’s a big help for your case. They’ll need to see your insurance policies and proof of ownership of all impacted property, both personal and real, before they can consider offering grants. Since regular homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding in Albany, TN, they can often help cover some of the flood cleanup costs.

Even before FEMA arrives, it’s imperative that you call a storm damage cleanup company that’s experienced in your area. They have experts who can tarp up the undamaged parts of your home to prevent further damage and can begin the restoration process quickly. The sooner it’s done, the sooner your life can get back to normal.