30 Counties Approved For Disaster Relief Flood Victims Urged To Apply For Aid CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- President Barack Obama continues to approve counties in Gov. Phil Bredesen's request for federal disaster relief. As of Friday evening, 30 counties had been granted the disaster designation.
Federal assistance is now available for Benton, Carroll, Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Sumner, Tipton, Wilson and Williamson counties.
FEMA officials said by Thursday afternoon about 8,500 people in Tennessee had registered with the federal organization to receive flood assistance.
The director of FEMA said the average amount that victims generally receive from the federal government after a disaster is about $3,400.
The first thing that affected residents should do is call 1-800-621-FEMA or visit fema.gov.
“That will get the process going with the registration. From there, inspectors will be calling them to make an appointment to go see their damage and to make a determination based on that,” said Gracia Szczech of FEMA.
Those who have been displaced should let FEMA know immediately.
“For those that are displaced, there could be such things as temporary housing. They could get rental assistance, housing assistance. If they've been in a hotel, they need to save those receipts,” said Szczech.
"Document everything, from what your damages are, to repairs you are making. That way if you are eligible, you can get that grant," said Derek Jensen of FEMA.
If FEMA determines that the resident qualifies for assistance, money will be directly deposited into the person’s account or a check will be mailed. If eligible, a resident could receive up to $30,000 from FEMA.
“I would encourage everyone to start the process early because the earlier you start, the quicker the response can occur,” said U.S. Senator Bob Corker.
Residents who receive money from FEMA need to know that there are specific items that the federal money can be used to purchase. Temporary housing, repairs, and construction costs to rebuild your home are all approved ways to spend FEMA money.
FEMA can also offer money to those who have lost their jobs due to the flood. Victims can receive unemployment checks for 26 weeks.
Earlier in the week, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper appointed two members of his staff to focus specifically on disaster assistance requests.
