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TEMA/FEMA Daily Fact Sheet 3/23/2020

Written by Covenant Insurance Agency, LLC. on Mar 24, 2020
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FEMA-4476-DR DFS 012

March 23, 2020

           

                                      

Daily Fact Sheet

 

KEY MESSAGES

  • As FEMA works on Tennessee recovery from the tornadoes and storms, health and safety are our highest priorities—for survivors and for FEMA personnel assisting recovery.

 

Help for survivors is still available

  • Homeowners and renters may continue to apply for assistance. There are several ways to do this:

 

  • The FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) is staffed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Use the Helpline to:

    • Register with FEMA for assistance.

    • Provide a change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information.

    • Receive information about FEMA home inspections.

    • Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

    • Ask questions about a determination letter from FEMA.

    • Learn how to appeal a FEMA decision.

    • Those who already have a 9-digit FEMA registration number should have it available before calling.

 

  • Survivors are also strongly encouraged to set up a disaster account with FEMA online. This is an easy way to keep in touch with FEMA. Applicants can:

    • Upload critical documentation.

    • Check the status of the application and inspection.

    • Update personal information, such as current mailing address and phone number.

    • Securely view messages from FEMA.

 

  • To set up a disaster account online:

    • Go to DisasterAssistance.gov.

    • Select “Apply Online” and follow instructions. You will be asked for your Zip Code and connected to Tennessee disaster assistance.

    • A PIN will be sent to the email address on file. You can then log into your account.

    • Documents can be uploaded in the Upload Center.

 

  • Applicants can submit important documents as well by faxing them to 800-827-8112, being sure to include the registration number prominently on the cover page, or by mailing them to:

    • FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
      National Processing Service Center
      P.O. Box 10055
      Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

 

  • Remember that applicants must submit documents to FEMA either by uploading, faxing or mailing them. Simply showing them to a FEMA inspector will not suffice.

 


 

  • Download the FEMA App for your smartphone

    • Locate open shelters and disaster resource centers near you.

    • Submit photos of damage in your area. Receive fast and reliable weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.

    • Learn how to prepare for emergencies and get useful tips to keep you and your loved ones safe before, during and after disasters.

    • Prepare your emergency kit, make a family plan, and set reminders.

 The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is May 4, 2020.

  • When registering with FEMA, the following information will be needed to complete the registration process:

    • Social Security number

    • Address of the location where the damage occurred (pre-disaster address)

    • Current mailing address

    • Current telephone number

    • Insurance information

    • Total household annual income

    • Routing and account number for a checking or savings account (this allows FEMA to directly transfer disaster assistance funds into the applicant’s bank account)

    • A description of the survivor’s disaster-caused damage and losses

FEMA is aware of several cases of reported identity theft involving survivors of the severe storms in Tennessee. Disaster survivors who tried to register with FEMA discovered someone had already registered using their name. The agency is cooperating in the investigation.

  • If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, immediately call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

 

  • FEMA reminds survivors:

    • FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) never charge for registration, home inspections, grants, disaster-loan applications or anything else.

    • In person, ask to see a photo ID from a government agency.

    • If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or report it your local police department.

As of COB March 22, 2020:

  • FEMA has approved more than $1.2 million in disaster grants for 414 Tennessee homeowners and renters who sustained uninsured or underinsured losses from the storms. That total includes:

    • More than $900,000 in housing grants to assist people in rebuilding or repairing their homes and to provide the means for a safe place to stay while they consider their long-term housing options.

    • More than $303,000 in grants for Other Needs Assistance to survivors.

  • FEMA inspectors have completed 1,047 home inspections.

  • FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams have canvassed more than 6,000 homes.

  • SBA has approved more than $1 million in disaster loans to businesses and households.

 

U.S. Small Business Administration:

 

For more information:

  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to individuals who have become unemployed as a result of the March 3 storms and who are not eligible for regular state Unemployment Insurance. For more information, call the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development:

    • Employer Phone Number: 615-551-3501

    • Employee Phone Number: 615-247-5138

  • Low-income survivors may be eligible for assistance from the USDA Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). The Tennessee Department of Human Services is accepting applications for D-SNAP benefits and the Families First/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Cash Assistance program. To qualify for this emergency assistance, you must live in the following areas: Davidson County Zip Codes 37209, 37208, 37218, 37243, 37213, 37207, 37206, 37214 and 37076, and all of Wilson and Putnam counties. Applications must be submitted to the Tennessee Department of Human Services by March 24.

  • The State of Tennessee has set up a variety of resources for survivors, including:

    • Home and Property Cleanup Help
      A Crisis Cleanup Help Line is in place for Tennesseans who need help with debris removal and home cleanup. All services are free but not guaranteed due to the expected overwhelming need. Call 800-451-1954.

    • Tennessee Crisis Phone Line

      • Call 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471) to speak with a trained mental health professional 24 hours a day if you are experiencing a mental health emergency. You can also text TN to 741741.

    • Volunteer
      If you live in Tennessee and want to volunteer to help tornado survivors, please visit Hands On Nashville at https://www.hon.org/ or call 615-298-1108.

    •  

 

  • Avoiding Scams
    There is increased risk for scams and fraud after a disaster. Watch out for people asking for upfront fees to help you claim services, benefits or get loans. To report any illegal activity, call 615-741-4737 or go to www.tn.gov/consumer.

  • Report Misconduct
    The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance licenses many of the professionals who play a role in rebuilding, including contractors, home inspectors and insurance agents. To file a complaint, visit www.tn.gov/commerce.

  • Filing Insurance Claims
    After a disaster, file your claim as soon as possible. Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other information. Your policy may require that you file the claim within a certain time frame. Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your policy. For more information, call 615-741-2218 or go to www.tn.gov/commerce.

  • Hiring Contractors
    Before hiring a professional such as a contractor, consumers should first verify that the contractor is properly licensed to work in Tennessee by visiting www.verify.tn.gov to conduct a license check. Keep a record of your property damage and any repairs made to your property.







 

  • Free Legal Assistance

A toll-free legal assistance hotline is available to low-income individuals facing legal issues as a result of the tornadoes at 844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486). Callers should say they are seeking tornado-related legal assistance. The hotline service is a partnership among the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA), the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS), the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD), FEMA, and local organizations. Survivors can also go online to ask questions to volunteer attorneys through Tennessee Free Legal Answers service:

 

 

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