FEMA disaster registration reaches 70 in Thomas County

Feb. 17--THOMASVILLE -- Thomas County residents continued to register Friday morning at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Center (DCR).

The center provides face-to-face, one-on-one help for those needing help after Jan. 22 tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and straight-line wind delivered disastrous results in Thomas County and a number of other Southwest Georgia counties.

At the end of the day Thursday, 68 Thomas County disaster survivors had registered. Two more registered midmorning Friday.

Those who lost homes in the inclement weather might be eligible for temporary housing or other assistance, Hattie Stallworth, FEMA media analysis specialist, said.

If someone is registered with other agencies, such as the Red Cross, the individual still should register with FEMA. Once registered with FEMA, one can register with the Small Business Administration (SBA), which also has personnel at the DRC at the Thomasville-Thomas County Emergency Services Center, 1202 Remington Ave.

FEMA can help with property not covered by insurance, such a vehicles, household appliances, burial expenses in the event of a weather-related death, prescription replacements and even lost eye glasses.

"When you get out of a house, you can only get out with your life sometimes," Cheria Brown, media relations specialist, said.

Local FEMA registration ends March 27. Help will continue afterward for those who registered.

If someone has registered and needs additional information, they may call 800-621-3362. The number also serves 711 or video relay service. The hearing-impaired should call 800-562-7585.

Braille and other sight assistance help is available at the DRC.

In Thomas County, $11,173 has been allocated to date for housing assistance.

More than $2 million has been allocated statewide for the close to 3,000 who have applied for FEMA help.

Stallworth said southwest Georgia farmers and ranchers might be eligible for help if their houses or personal property were damaged.

"We're asking those individuals to register with FEMA," she said.

Farmers and ranchers also should check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and SBA, but should go to FEMA first.

"Farm property tends to fall under USDA," Brown said.

Repairs can begin before an individual applies for FEMA help. Photos should be taken of the work and receipts kept. It is not necessary to wait for a FEMA inspector.

"Stay in touch with FEMA after you register," Stallworth sad. It is important that FEMA maintains applicants' correct phone numbers and addresses, she added.

A FEMA helpline is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week at 800-621-3362.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820

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