Homeowners, renters and business owners in Berrien, Cook, Crisp, Dougherty, Turner and Wilcox counties affected by January severe storms and tornadoes are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as they may be eligible for disaster assistance. 

Individuals and businesses in the designated counties can begin the disaster assistance process by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, which is video relay service accessible. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have difficulty speaking may call TTY 800-462-7585. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice.

Assistance may include grants for temporary housing, rental assistance and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as repairing or replacing personal property, and medical and dental expenses. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may also be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance.
 

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person registered with another disaster-relief organization. Federal disaster aid does not affect other government benefits, such as Social Security and Medicaid, and is not considered taxable income. Survivors must use the name that appears on their government photo ID when registering with FEMA.

Applicants will be asked for the following information:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged home or apartment
• Description of the damage
• When the damage occurred
• Information about insurance coverage
• A current contact telephone number
• An address where they can receive mail
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

Georgia storm survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may be considered for help after their insurance claims are settled.