FEMA still accepts claims from May flood
FEMA has been in Columbia helping victims of flooding. They are now located in the annex.
Adair County Judge Executive Ann Melton is urging citizens who have flood damage to file a request with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA set up a Disaster Recovery Center last Wednesday and will continue offering assistance for the next three weeks.
The Disaster Recovery Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on at the courthouse annex at 424 Public Sq.
“I urge anybody that hasn’t come in to come in,” Melton said.
They have been in the county for a week. However, they could pick up and leave at anytime.
“They’ve reserved it for 30 days,” Melton said. “They never know when they’ll (government) call them and tell them to go somewhere.”
Some people who have dealt with flood damage have already received help.
“Some of our citizens have already received some checks,” Melton said. “Some are still waiting.”
The more people come into the recovery center, the longer they will stay.
“It depends on the amount of traffic,” Melton said. “They didn’t have a lot of traffic over the weekend.”
FEMA assessed the damage in the county on Wednesday. They will continue to take on private claims for the next three weeks or until they are called to leave.
FEMA representatives will take on private claims or answer questions about low-interest disaster loan programs for homeowners, renters, businesses and private, non-profit organizations of all sizes.
Anyone not able to go to a DRC can call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Call SBA toll-free at 1-800-659-2955 for information or assistance. Visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
By Allison Hollon
allison@accvonline.com
