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Becky Watts: Phone # 770-468-7583 editor(@)pikecountytimes.com
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Disaster Assistance Available for Pike County
ATLANTA - The Major Disaster Declaration for the January 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes has been amended. Pike County residents are now able to apply for Individual Assistance. Individual Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the storms.
Public Assistance is available to state and local government entities and qualified not-for-profit organizations. It will provide financial aid for debris removal and emergency work.
Individuals can apply for assistance in any of the following ways:
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Calling 1-800-621-3362
• People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
For more information on the Major Disaster Declaration or Public Assistance, please email PublicAssistance@gema.ga.gov, and for Individual Assistance, email IndividualAssistance@gema.ga.gov.
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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.
Pike County Added to Major Disaster Declaration, Can Now Request FEMA Assistance
ATLANTA – Pike County has been added to the major disaster declaration for Georgia’s severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes of Jan. 12, meaning residents who sustained damage or losses from the storms may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.The declaration allows FEMA to provide assistance to eligible individuals and households in eight counties: Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding, and Troup.
Homeowners and renters who had sustained damage or losses as a direct result of the storms are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance by the Friday, March 20 deadline. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-caused related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses.
If you have insurance, first file a claim with your insurance provider. FEMA may provide assistance to eligible applicants for uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.
There are several ways you can apply for FEMA assistance under the Individual Assistance program:
• You can also Visit any Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies one-on-one who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).
• Visit https://DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• For an accessible video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
For information on Georgia’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4685. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 Twitter and at facebook.com/FEMA.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.
[Note from the Editor: FEMA has many trained and experienced customer service representatives who are available 6 days a week to help homeowners and renters who have been impacted by the January 12, 2023 storms in Spalding County at the Disaster Recovery Center. They can help walk storm victims through the application and possibly save some time figuring out exactly what is required and what everything means. You can get more information by clicking here and scrolling down to "Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Disaster Recovery Center" section of this article.]
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Georgia Tornadoes
ATLANTA – Georgia homeowners and renters in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding and Troup counties who were affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred Jan. 12, 2023, may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
When you apply for assistance, have the following information ready:
• A 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
Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the tornadoes. 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.
Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair. Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.
For information on Georgia’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4685. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 Twitter and at facebook.com/FEMA.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
[Note from the Editor: FEMA has many trained and experienced customer service representatives who are available 6 days a week to help homeowners and renters who have been impacted by the January 12, 2023 storms in Spalding County at the Disaster Recovery Center. They can help walk storm victims through the application and possibly save some time figuring out exactly what is required and what everything means. You can get more information by clicking here and scrolling down to "Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Disaster Recovery Center" section of this article.]
What to Expect After You Apply for FEMA Assistance
ATLANTA – If you live in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding or Troup counties and were affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred on Jan. 12, 2023, FEMA may be able to help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs or other essential disasterrelated needs that are not covered by insurance.
There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for smartphones or call 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
FEMA will ask for:
• A 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 damage expenses, you may be
eligible for federal assistance.
Home Inspections
If you report that you cannot, or may not be able to, safely live in your home,
FEMA may need to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling. The inspection may be conducted at the site of the damaged dwelling in person by a
FEMA housing inspector or by alternative methods. For those in-person, the
inspector will observe CDC-recommended protocols including wearing a mask
and physical distancing. Alternative methods to validate interior damage may
include:
• Asking questions
• Looking for evidence in the surrounding area
• Looking in windows
• Viewing applicant photos or video
• Conducting a video call with the applicant
FEMA will contact you to let you know how the inspection will take place.
Survivors with minimal damage who can live in their homes will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection. However, they may request an inspection if they later find significant disaster-caused damage.
For an accessible video on FEMA home inspections, go to youtube.com/watch?v=kXMaDkY3Q2o.
For information on Georgia’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4685. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 Twitter and at facebook.com/FEMA.
It’s Important to Return SBA Loan Application
ATLANTA – 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.
If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA disaster loan. However, completing the application may make you eligible for other FEMA assistance, such as disaster related car repairs, essential household items, and other expenses.
SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. In planning your recovery, give yourself the widest possible set of options. Completing the application makes it possible for you to be considered for additional grants, and if you qualify for a loan, you will have that resource available if you choose to use it.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at www.sba.gov/disaster.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital (Economic Injury Disaster Loans).
Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
The deadline to return SBA loan applications for property damage is March 17, 2023. The deadline to return applications for economic injury is Oct. 16, 2023.
Click here to read, “U.S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet – Disaster Loans.”
Click here to read, “U.S. Small Business Administration to Offer Disaster Loans with No Interest and No Payments for First Year.”
More detailed information about FEMA and SBA is available at "Update on the Spalding County Tornado Clean Up" including hours of operation where storm victims can speak to representatives in person to get their questions answered.
[Note from the Editor: "It’s Important to Return SBA Loan Application" was added to this article on 2.14.23.]
Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster
ATLANTA – Disaster survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.
If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.
If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.
If you do wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.
Scams
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the Jan. 12 severe storms and tornadoes. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.
Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.
Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have your FEMA application number.
Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department or contact the Georgia Office of the Attorney General by calling 800-869-1123. To file a fraud complaint, go online to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division.
If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.
Learn more at www.fema.gov/disaster/4685.
If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or www.identitytheft.gov/#/IdentityTheft.gov.
For information on Georgia’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4685. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 Twitter and at facebook.com/FEMA.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.
BREAKING NEWS: Tornado Causes Damage in Pike County
and BREAKING NEWS: Update on Pike's January 12, 2023 Tornado
By Editor Becky Watts
WILLIAMSON - A strong line of thunderstorms came through Georgia on January 12, 2023 that spawned tornadoes in north and central Georgia. The NWS states that per radar data, aerial surveys, and ground surveys, it has been determined that there were three tornadoes on the ground simultaneously in Southwest Spalding and Northwestern Pike Counties. These tornadoes can be traced all of the way back to the Selma, Alabama tornado.
Both articles can be read in date order from the bottom of the page to the update at the top by clicking here.
BREAKING NEWS: Update on the Spalding County Tornado Clean Up
Pike County Is Declared to Be Part of the Disaster Declaration
By Editor Becky Watts
GRIFFIN - Spalding County is still recovering from the storm. Pike County Times made a visit to Spalding County on Friday, February 10, 2023 in order to follow up on the storm recovery effort.
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Disaster Recovery Center to see how things are going one month after the tornadoes came through Spalding County and six other surrounding counties including north Pike County.
Click here to read the rest of the article that was published on February 11, 2023.
This article is an overview and update of everything that is going on in Spalding County to help storm survivors.
Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. Services include checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit, and IRA’s. Mobile Banking and Bill Payment services are also available! Click here for more. Please let First Bank of Pike know that you appreciate their sponsorship of Breaking News Alerts on Pike County's only FREE online newspaper!
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