FEMA, SBA Assistance Still Available for Storm Victims

TYLER – Smith County reminds residents affected by tornadoes and flooding this past spring that there is still time to register for aid. Smith County was included in a Presidential Disaster Declaration allowing local residents with damaged property to register for help with FEMA and the Small Business Administration. The deadline to register for assistance is July 28. According to a news release, FEMA representatives said 77 people have registered for assistance but there may be residents who haven’t applied because they don’t think they’re eligible. Assistance is available for both homeowners and renters whose property was damaged. FEMA representatives say if you receive a response from FEMA that might first appear negative, you should read the entire letter because FEMA may only require additional documents with your application.

Anyone requesting assistance must first register with FEMA. This can be done by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. You can also go to http://www.fema.gov or http://www.disasterassistance.gov to register online. The latter website also has more information about the process.

Low interest loans may also be available from the Small Business Administration, but individuals must first register with FEMA before applying. The SBA can be reached by calling 1-800-659-2955, e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting http://www.sba.gov/disaster to register online.

Anyone needing more information about available assistance or with questions related to storm damage is asked to call the Smith County Office of Emergency Management at 903-590-2655. Additional information is also available from Fire Marshal Jay Brooks at 903-590-2655 or at rbrooks@smith-county.com via e-mail.