Residents in Two More Georgia Counties Eligible to Receive Federal Assistance

Residents in Baker and Early counties are now eligible to receive federal assistance. Governor Sonny Perdue requested this aid following severe thunderstorms and flooding that hit Georgia on March 26, 2009, and continued through April 13. The Federal Disaster Declaration follows one issued for 27 counties on April 23. Twenty-three additional counties were added on May 1, 2009. Eight additional counties were added on May 7.

"South Georgia was devastated by this severe weather system, and numerous Georgia families and businesses, many of whom were already struggling, are going to need this financial assistance to fully recover,” says Governor Perdue.

“We are pleased that FEMA recognized the need for and approved the state’s request, which will facilitate recovery efforts of families and businesses in these two counties,” says Georgia Emergency Management Agency–Office of Homeland Security (GEMA-OHS) Director Charley English.

Baker and Early counties are eligible to receive Individual Assistance. Residents and business owners in these counties who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

Individual assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Governor Perdue made the request for a federal declaration after reviewing preliminary damage assessment figures.

GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more information on GEMA, visit www.gema.ga.gov. To learn how to prepare for disaster, visit www.ready.ga.gov.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---