Silent Storm: Smithers residents, FEMA break communication barriers to cope with storm damage

SMITHERS, W.Va. (WOAY) – Ronald Senters of Smithers is still dealing with the aftermath of the early April storms. His home suffered extensive water damage to the ceiling.

However, the process of getting authorized federal aid had a hurdle that not everyone faces: Senters is deaf and cannot communicate with FEMA by phone.

Senters can’t get to a FEMA disaster recovery center due to his lack of transportation and the fact that it’s not within walking distance, but luckily for him, FEMA was able to come to his door.

Senters communicates in sign language. A FEMA official interpreted our conversation for us.

“Two women came up to the gate and tried to communicate with me. They asked if I could call. I told them I couldn’t call. Then several other cars came up. Another person came up, they talked and one of the women signed. Then they filled out the application form for me. About a week after they left, the next person that came up was the sign language interpreter who came to help me, contacting me so FEMA could do an inspection of the house,” Senters signed.

Due to water damage, his ceilings began to fall in.

“The ceiling in the living room fell in. There’s a water leak in the kitchen,” Senters said. “I was in the kitchen when the water started coming in, and it was running down my back.”

He received emergency assistance from FEMA and is currently waiting for insurance to continue the process. FEMA has been helping him throughout this process.

“And now I feel happy. You know I’m getting help and assistance,” Senters signed off.

The deadline to apply for aid is July 22.

The Fayetteville Disaster Recovery Center will close on Wednesday, July 3 at 6 p.m., but if you still want in-person assistance after that, you can visit the Nicholas County Disaster Recovery Center in Summersville.