CLANTON – Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday that President Trump has approved a major disaster declaration in response to the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred March 19, 2018. The federal disaster assistance is designed to supplement state and local recovery efforts in Calhoun, Cullman, Etowah and St. Clair Counties. Public Assistance provides municipalities and county governments assistance with debris removal, emergency protective measures and disaster damage restoration of infrastructure.
“The recovery process following a disaster is a long and tough road and I appreciate President Trump for approving this major disaster declaration request,” Ivey said. “This declaration will provide much needed assistance to Alabamians affected by the March 19 storms and will ease the burden on local governments as they continue the recovery process.”
Individual Assistance has been made available for homeowners and renters in Calhoun, Cullman and Etowah counties. Residents within the counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the March 19 storms. Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may also be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and that do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
“I cannot thank our federal partners enough for their support during the joint damage assessments as well as the constant communication as we awaited final approval,” Director Brian E. Hastings said. “Recovering from disasters requires the whole community. Volunteers, first responders and local Emergency Management officials have done an exceptional job during the response phase and now we are pleased to have federal assistance to help with the long recovery process.”
For information on how to register with FEMA, you can do so by phone or online:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- On the FEMA Mobile App
- Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who used 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
- The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures. The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.
President Donald Trump/ Courtesy of NBC News
