FEMA/SBA Registration Now Open for Smith County Storm Victims

TYLER – Smith County has now been included in a Presidential Disaster Declaration, and local residents impacted by recent weather may register for help with FEMA and the Small Business Administration. Deadline to register for assistance is July 28, 2015, according to a Smith County news release. Officials say representatives with both agencies are currently in Smith County visiting those who were hardest hit and those identified with special needs.

At this time, assistance is only available for damage to owner-occupied residential structures used as a primary residence and for businesses directly impacted by the recent weather. Anyone requesting assistance must first register with FEMA. This may be done online at http://www.fema.gov or http://www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585. Low interest loans may also be available from the SBA, but individuals must first register with FEMA before applying. You can go to http://www.sba.gov/disaster to reach the SBA. The agency can also be contacted by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or calling 1-800-659-2955.

“Help is available to Smith County residents who were impacted by the unprecedented weather we experienced late this spring, but time is of the essence. Even if residents are unsure whether or not they want to utilize the assistance available, I would encourage them to register before the July 28, 2015 deadline,” Smith County Judge Fire Marshal Jay Brooks said.

Anyone needing more information about available assistance or anyone with questions related to storm damages is asked to call the Smith County Office of Emergency Management at 903-590-2655. Further information will be released as additional services for affected homeowners and businesses become available, according to the news release.