News and reports from the Department of Homeland Security.

A Disaster Recovery Center is open at Point Arena City Hall where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update FEMA applications and learn about other disaster assistance which may be available.

Homeowners and renters in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding and Troup counties who had damage to their properties after last month’s storms and tornadoes have until Monday, March 20, to apply for federal disaster assistance.

In Lee County, a renter applied to FEMA after Hurricane Ian, reporting that her home and personal property were damaged by flooding. She also reported a disaster-caused need for medical expenses for which she had no insurance.

Following continued discussions between the state of Ohio and FEMA regarding the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Governor Mike DeWine and FEMA Regional Administrator Thomas C. Sivak issued the following joint statement:

If you are facing legal issues or experiencing feelings of hopelessness or stress resulting from Georgia’s Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, you can get disaster legal advice and crisis counseling.

Atlantic hurricane season is four months away, but now is the perfect time to start preparations to harden your home against damage from storms, review and update your family’s emergency plan and replenish your disaster supply kit.

All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Georgia will be closed on Sundays, starting Feb. 19, 2023. Regular hours will resume Monday through Saturday.

Three Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the following locations. Residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can visit the centers to update FEMA applications and learn about other disaster assistance which may be available.

The need for the services provided by critical facilities, such as police stations and government centers that serve the community, is vital during a disaster and to preserve the lives and safety of people.

Just 30 days after President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the state of Alabama following the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, more than $8.1 million in federal assistance has been provided by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support disaster recovery here.

FEMA teams are on the ground helping people in Pike County, which was added to the major disaster declaration for Georgia’s severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes of Jan. 12.

Those affected by the severe winter storms, which caused massive flooding across the state from Dec. 27, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023, may need more financial assistance for long-term recovery than FEMA can provide. A disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may go a long way in helping to recover from the storms.

After you apply for federal disaster assistance, it is important that FEMA be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may appear to come from unidentified numbers. Make sure that FEMA has your up-to-date contact information.

More than 379,000 households are receiving help from FEMA as they recover from Hurricane Ian

After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If you receive an email from the SBA with a disaster loan application link, you should click the link, fill out the application, and return it.