Articles by larissa.hale

ATLANTA – FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Columbia County to provide one-on-one help for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene. The center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, at this location: Columbia CountyColumbia County Emergency Management Agency650 Ronald Reagan DriveEvans, GA 30809Additional centers are open in the following counties:Open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.Appling CountyAppling County Agricultural Center2761 Blackshear HighwayBaxley, GA 31513Bryan CountyJacob Grant Teen Center185 Ball Park RoadRichmond Hill, GA 31324 (Closing permanently on Dec. 4)Butts CountyButts Park & Recreation Building(Ernest Biles Youth Center)576 Ernest Biles Drive Jackson, GA 30233 (closing permanently 12/13) Chatham CountySavannah Technical CollegeStudent Enrichment Center Building5717 White Bluff Road Savannah, GA 31405Coffee CountyThe Atrium 114 N. Peterson Avenue Douglas, GA 31533Emanuel CountySoutheastern Technical College Special Programs Building346 Kite Road, Building 1Swainsboro, GA 30401Jefferson CountyNational Guard Bid-EOC1841 Hwy. 24 WestLouisville, GA 30434Laurens CountyOld West Laurens Middle School338 West Laurens School Road Dublin, GA 31021Lincoln CountyLincoln County Recreation DepartmentWalter T. Norman Gym1962 Rowland-York DriveLincolnton, GA 30817Lowndes CountyCity of Valdosta4434 North Forrest Street ExtensionValdosta, GA 31605McDuffie CountyThomson Depot            111 Railroad Street Thomson, GA 30824Richmond CountyHub for Community Innovation631 Chafee Avenue Augusta, GA 30904Screven CountyScreven County Library106 Community DriveSylvania, GA 30467Tift CountyTift County Swimming Pool202 Baldwin DriveTifton, GA 31794Toombs CountyGeorgia Department of Human Services 162 Oxley DriveLyons, GA 30436 Washington CountySandersville School Building Authority514 North Harris StreetSandersville, GA 31082Wilkes CountyWashington Fire Department (Training Room)212 E. Court St. Washington, GA 30673 FEMA Mobile Registration Center location and hoursBerrien CountyCarrie Dorsey Perry Memorial Library315 W. Marion Ave., Nashville, GA 31639Monday, Dec. 2 — Wednesday, Dec. 48 a.m. to 7 p.m.Burke CountyBurke County Public Library130 GA-24 South, Waynesboro, GA 30830Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 78 a.m. to 7 p.m.Clinch CountyClinch County Elementary School575 Wood Lake Drive, Homerville, GA 31634Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 78 a.m. to 7 p.m.Dodge CountyPublic Safety Building440 Legion Drive, Eastman, GA 31023Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 78 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find center locations in the state, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia Page, FEMA’s DRC Locator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. Homeowners and renters in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Georgia and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.Disaster Assistance Teams are also on the ground in affected counties going door-to-door to help survivors register for assistance.Survivors can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the free FEMA App or by calling 1-800-621-3362 any day of the week.For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne. […]

ATLANTA – FEMA is opening an additional Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Berrien County and closing a Center in Bryan County.Berrien County mobile recovery center’s hours and location are:8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, through Wednesday, Dec. 4 Carrie Dorsey Perry Memorial Library315 W. Marion Ave., Nashville, GA 31639The Bryan County Center will be closing permanently at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4Jacob Grant Teen Center185 Ball Park RoadRichmond Hill, GA 31324To find center locations in the state, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia Page, FEMA’s DRC Locator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne. […]

ATLANTA — If you are making repairs to your home after Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, you can get tips from FEMA to make your home safer and stronger.FEMA Mitigation Specialists will be available to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also offer tips and techniques on rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. The FEMA specialists will be available during the dates and times listed at:LOCATIONHome Depot499 Bobby Jones Expy., Ste BAugusta, GA 30907TIMES AND DATES 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, through Friday, Dec. 6. For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne. […]

Atlanta – Even if you already started repairing or replacing items damaged or destroyed during Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, FEMA may be able to reimburse you for these expenses. Be sure to save your receipts. Survivors in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties who had homes or personal property damaged or destroyed may be eligible for FEMA assistance.FEMA will only approve home repairs that are necessary to restore the home to a habitable condition. The types of repairs that may be eligible for assistance will vary depending upon the nature of the disaster.FEMA assistance to repair and replace personal property falls within the following categories: Appliances: Includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc.Clothing: Essential clothing needed due to overall loss, damage, or contamination.Room furnishings: Standard furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room.Essential Tools: Tools and equipment required by an employer as a condition of employment and items required as a condition of an applicant’s or household member’s education.Accessible Items: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property items required for qualified applicants with disabilities.Applicants must meet the following conditions to receive Personal Property Assistance: The item needs to be repaired or replaced due to disaster damage.The occupants of the household have an unmet disaster-related need for the damaged item. FEMA may not provide assistance if the applicant can meet that need with another similar item in their possession or available to the household.The item was owned and being used by occupants of the household.FEMA does not provide assistance for furnishings and/or appliances provided by a landlord.Items used by guests and relatives who were not members of the pre-disaster household are not eligible for assistance.There are four ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance: call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Help on the phone line is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline for applications is Jan. 7, 2025.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/Georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne. […]

ATLANTA – Eligible survivors of Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Debby, damage Aug. 4—20, 2024, may receive help with additional repairs and improvements if they or a household member has a disability. FEMA can help homeowners pay for the full cost of accessibility items like an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved path of travel to your home from your vehicle when they are needed by you or a member of the household.Residents in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilkes counties may be eligible for this assistance.FEMA may be able to pay for the entire cost for these items when needed to make your home safe to access for anyone in your household with a disability.FEMA can provide money to help with some or all of these items when:Your home was damaged by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene and your home already had one of more of these items.Your home was damaged by the storms and a member of your household needs one or more of these items, even if it wasn’t part of your home before the storms, orA member of your household was disabled by the storms and needs one or more of these items.The first step is to apply. There are four ways Georgians can apply for FEMA assistance, which can include funds for accessibility needs.Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. To find your nearest center, visit fema.gov/drc.Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.Download and use the FEMA app.FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube. […]

ATLANTA – Residents of the 63 Georgia counties affected by Tropical Storm Debby, damage Aug. 4—20, 2024, or Hurricane Helene who were provided Displacement Assistance because they couldn’t return to their home after the storms may be eligible for Rental Assistance.Displacement Assistance is money you can use to stay in a hotel or motel, stay with family and friends, or for any other available housing options. Initial assistance is for 14 days. Contact FEMA to request Rental Assistance if you still have a housing need after 14 days. You can request Rental Assistance by:Calling FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362Visit a disaster recovery centerMailing to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.   […]

ATLANTA – At the request of the state of Georgia, FEMA extended the time that local governments, houses of worship and other private nonprofit organizations in counties designated for Public Assistance have to submit Requests for Public Assistance (RPA) until Dec. 6, 2024. Submitting a request is the first step for public and private nonprofit organizations to apply for federal disaster assistance to help with emergency costs like debris removal and other recovery work. Unlike FEMA’s Individual and Households program, where people can apply for assistance to help with home repairs and other emergency needs related to the storm, FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, to help them quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. These funds support community recovery with activities like removal of debris, repairing and restoring critical infrastructure, public buildings, roads and other facilities.Eligible entities can apply for assistance through the State of Georgia by contacting Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency or sending an email to publicassistance@gema.ga.gov.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne. […]

ATLANTA — If you are making repairs to your home after Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, you can get tips from FEMA to make your home safer and stronger.FEMA Mitigation Specialists will be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also offer advice and techniques on rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. FEMA specialists will be available during the following dates and times: LOCATIONHome Depot1825 Norman DriveValdosta, GA 31601TIMES AND DATES 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except WednesdaysMonday, Nov. 11 through Friday, Nov. 29 (except Wednesday, Nov. 13, 20 and 27). There will be no FEMA specialists available on Thanksgiving Day. For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne. […]

ATLANTA — FEMA opened two additional Disaster Recovery Centers in Bryan and Screven counties to provide one-on-one help for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene. The centers are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m., including on Veteran’s Day this Monday. Center locations:Bryan CountyJacob Grant Teen Center185 Ballpark RoadRichmond Hill, GA 31324Screven CountyScreven County Library106 S. Community DriveSylvania, GA 30467Additional centers are open in the following counties: Appling CountyAppling County Agricultural Center2761 Blackshear Highway Baxley, GA 31513Chatham CountySavannah Technical CollegeStudent Enrichment Center Building5717 White Bluff Road Savannah, GA 31405Coffee CountyThe Atrium 114 N. Peterson Avenue Douglas, GA 31533Emanuel CountySoutheastern Technical College Special Programs Building346 Kite Road, Building 1Swainsboro, GA 30401Laurens CountyOld West Laurens Middle School338 West Laurens School Road, Dublin, GA 31021Lowndes CountyCity of Valdosta4434 North Forrest Street ExtensionValdosta, GA 31605McDuffie CountyThomson Depot     111 Railroad Street Thomson, GA 30824Richmond CountyHub for Community Innovation631 Chafee Avenue Augusta, GA 30904Tift County202 Baldwin DriveTifton, GA 31794Toombs CountyGeorgia Department of Human Services 162 Oxley DriveLyons, GA 30436 Washington CountySandersville School Building Authority514 North Harris StreetSandersville, GA 31082 FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center location and hoursAtkinson County Atkinson County Emergency Operations Center Parking Lot 33 West Austin AvenuePearson, GA 31642 Wednesday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 9 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.Brantley CountyBrantley Recreation Department3540 Baker Creek RoadNahunta, GA 31553Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Saturday, Nov. 98 a.m. to 7 p.m.Jeff DavisJeff Davis County Recreation Department83 Buford RoadHazlehurst, GA 31539Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Saturday, Nov. 98 a.m. to 7 p.m. To find center locations in the state, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia Page, FEMA’s DRC Locator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. Homeowners and renters in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Georgia and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.Disaster Assistance Teams are also on the ground in affected counties going door-to-door to help survivors register for assistance.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne. […]

ATLANTA — Homeowners and renters in Stephens and Wilkes counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene can now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Previously, Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Wheeler counties were authorized for assistance to households.There are several ways to apply: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.The deadline to apply is Jan. 7, 2025.What You’ll Need When You ApplyA current phone number where you can be contacted.Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.Your Social Security number.A general list of damage and losses.Banking information if you choose direct deposit.If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne. […]