Decaturville residents still digging out from January’s Winter Storm Fern now have a one-stop shop for help. A federal disaster assistance center is up and running at 425 West Highland St., giving storm survivors a place to sit down with real people and get walked through the maze of federal aid.
Decatur County Emergency Management announced the site on Facebook, noting that homeowners, renters, and students in approved counties can get in-person help registering for federal assistance. The post also flags a key date: the deadline to apply for FEMA help is June 10.
According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, FEMA Individual Assistance has now been added for 29 Tennessee counties, including Decatur. “This amendment is an important step in helping Tennesseans recover from this disaster and ensuring more survivors can access the support they need,” TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan said in the agency’s release.
What the Aid Covers and How to Apply
FEMA Individual Assistance can help pay for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of essential personal property and other serious disaster-related needs, according to WKSR. Residents can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA app if they prefer remote instead of in-person support.
SBA Loans and Local Help
The U.S. Small Business Administration is also stepping in with low-interest physical-damage loans for homeowners and renters, plus up to $2 million for businesses hit by Winter Storm Fern. The agency says homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace a primary residence and up to $100,000 to cover personal property losses. SBA lists June 8 as the deadline to return physical-damage loan applications.
How to Apply and What to Bring
Anyone heading to the Disaster Recovery Center is urged to bring a photo ID, insurance information, photos of the damage and receipts for any repairs or replacement items already purchased. The state agency also reminds applicants that getting FEMA assistance will not affect federal benefits like Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid, and that FEMA staff may call from unfamiliar phone numbers while processing applications, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
Where to Go
The Decatur County Emergency Management Facebook post confirms the local assistance point is at 425 West Highland St. in Decaturville and reiterates the June 10 application deadline for FEMA aid. It also directs residents to DisasterAssistance.gov to register online.
Residents who cannot make it to the center can still apply remotely at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, and are encouraged to check with local officials for the center’s hours of operation.
