Three Ways to Register for Assistance

SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn., Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

People in Sevier County, TN affected by the recent wildfire are urged to take advantage of three easy ways to register for federal assistance; you may be eligible for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations can:

1. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov;

2. Register via smart phone at m.fema.gov;

3. Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time) on December 31 and will be closed on January 1. Thereafter, the toll-free numbers will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) until further notice.

"Survivors of the Sevier County fire could be eligible to receive grants to help pay for uninsured temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses," said Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Mike Moore. "But you won't know if you're eligible until you register. That's why it's so important to do that now."

Sevier County residents should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster relief organization such as the American Red Cross, local officials or churches. Registrants with FEMA must use the name that appears on their Social Security card. Applicants will be asked to provide:

4. Social Security number

5. Address of the damaged home or apartment

6. Description of the damage

7. Information about insurance coverage

8. A current contact telephone number

9. An address where you can get mail

Bank account and routing numbers if you want direct deposit of any financial assistance.

For updates on Tennessee's wildfire response and recovery, follow @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and visit www.tnema.org/ and fema.gov/disaster/4293.

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