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Flood Victims Can Apply for Assistance Until November 23
Fulton County residents and business owners who have lost property or sustained damage due to flooding are eligible for federal disaster assistance.
Monday, November 23, 2009, is the final day that survivors of the Georgia floods can register for FEMA assistance.
Residents who suffered flood damage may apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by phone by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 800-462-7585.
Also, disaster survivors can receive one-on-one assistance with their SBA loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes at any of the following Disaster Loan Outreach Centers:
Fulton County
Government Center
141 Pryor Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
(Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Cherokee County
Parks and Recreation Gym
7545 Main Street
Building 200
Woodstock, GA 30188
(Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm)
Cobb County
The Threadmill
Suite 120
5000 Austell/Powder Springs Road
Austell, GA 30106
(Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
DeKalb County
Browns Mill Recreation Center
5101 Browns Mill Road
Lithonia, GA 30058
(Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Douglas County
Old Douglas County Courthouse
6754 Broad Street
Douglasville, GA 30134
(Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Gwinnett County
Mountain Park Deport
5050 Five Forks Trickum Road
Lilburn, GA 30047
(Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Disaster survivors are also encouraged to stop by one of the Disaster Loan Recovery Centers before they close.
The SBA Customer Service Center can be reached at 800.659.2955 or TTY 800.877.8339.
Residents must apply in order to receive any assistance for which they are eligible. At the time of the call, residents should be prepared to provide a phone number, their Social Security number, their current mailing address, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of damages, and their insurance information (if they have it).
Homeowners should first contact their insurance providers. For questions about insurance, residents may contact the Georgia Insurance Commissioner's Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-656-2298 or 404-656-2070 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.), or log onto www.gainsurance.org.
Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate for the entire loss. For residents and businesses with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by an insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
Disaster Loan Information from SBA
Disaster Loans Fact Sheet
Disaster Loans Application Information (English)
Disaster Loans Application Information (Spanish)
(Préstamos por Desastres Información de Solicitud)
HEALTH & SAFETY
Fulton County health officials are reminding residents that standing water from heavy rains and the flood can pose serious health risks such as exposure to water-borne diseases and dangers associated with cleaning up flood-damaged areas.
Untreated sanitary waste can end up in waterways and on streets when excess water from flooding or heavy rain overwhelms sewer systems and treatment plants. During flood conditions, people are more likely to become exposed to diseases like tetanus, E. coli, and other pathogens. The best way to avoid exposure to these diseases is to stay away from floodwaters altogether.
Standing water is also a perfect breeding ground for microorganisms. Even when the water recedes, E. coli and other pathogens remain present in pools of standing water. Additionally, mosquito larvae develop in standing water and even a small volume of water can support large numbers of larvae that produce biting mosquitoes and increase the chances of getting a disease like the West Nile virus.
Some tips for safely cleaning up a home or business after the floodwaters recede include:
Items that cannot be salvaged after a flood and must be thrown away include wet ceiling tiles, carpet, paper products, baseboards, gypsum board (also known as dry wall), and insulation.
Some carpets may be saved by wet vacuuming, shampooing, and making certain the carpet is completely dry. Mattresses or other large items soaked with floodwater will probably have to be discarded. Some mattresses can be salvaged after disinfecting and air-drying.
INFORMATION AFTER THE FLOOD
INSURANCE INFORMATION
Homeowners should check with their insurance providers regarding flood coverage. Residents with questions about insurance coverage may contact the Georgia Insurance Commissioner's Office at 404-656-2070 or visit www.gainsurance.org.
See video of Fulton County's Emergency Response Briefing
Information about Flood Insurance
1-800-427-4661
www.floodsmart.gov
American Red Cross, Metro Atlanta Chapter
404-575-3730
www.atlantaredcross.org
United Way 211
Call 211
Referrals for shelters open on a regular basis, food, clothing, repairs and individual needs
Georgia Baptist Convention
1-800-460-6881
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