FEMA center is now open all week in Bulloch

The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds on Monday to provide individualized assistance to local residents affected by Hurricane Helene in September.

The center at the Kiwanis Community Building on Fair Road is open through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We are here to help people who have had trouble getting answers to their questions,” said Debra Young, a spokesperson for FEMA. “They may not have easy access to the internet or may not feel comfortable working online. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone in person.”

So far, FEMA has approved $3.1 million in assistance to 2,370 Bulloch families affected by Helene, Young said. In addition, more than $1 million was approved for Bulloch families affected by Tropical Storm Debby in August, she said.

Hurricane Helene’s destructive winds tore through Bulloch County during the night of September 26 and into the early morning hours of September 27. Helene caused structural damage to a significant number of homes and businesses in the area due to fallen trees and high winds.

A federal disaster was declared for more than 60 counties in Georgia, including Bulloch, meaning homeowners and renters who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

Also, FEMA may be able to assist with displacement, temporary shelter, basic home repair costs, loss of personal property, or other disaster-related needs.

If you have homeowner, renter or flood insurance and you haven’t filed a claim, Young said you should file a claim as soon as possible.

“(FEMA) cannot duplicate the benefits for insurance-covered losses,” Young said. “But if your policy doesn’t cover all of your disaster costs, you may be eligible for federal assistance.”

Young said that since Bulloch is part of the federal disaster, local officials then filed a request through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to have a recovery center come directly into the community. FEMA field workers also began going door to door in some Bulloch neighborhoods on Saturday to provide information and answer questions about how to find out if help is available.

Young said people can apply online for DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362.

The application deadline is December 2, 2024.

What you need when you apply:

· A current telephone number where you can be reached.

· Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are currently staying.

· Your citizen service number.

· A general list of damages and losses.

· Bank information if you choose direct deposit.

· If insured, the policy number or agent and/or company name.