Video: FEMA Sets up Shop in Louisville

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LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Federal funding plays a key role in helping communities rebuild after a natural disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground in tornado-damaged areas.

After a federal disaster, FEMA is usually first on the scene federal government agency, helping people recover and get back on their feet.

“We advise you if you can come in and talk to somebody here, you’ll get a lot more information than you will over the phone,” Thomas Giddings said.

Giddings is the FEMA Recovery Center Manager in Louisville. FEMA’s main location is on Church Street. The center helps victims get the information and assistance they need to start over. Giddings says registering with FEMA is the first step.

“If they haven’t registered, we have phones. They can register. When they finish registering with FEMA, we pull them up on the computer and face-to-face with somebody, tell them everything that they need to push this faster,” Giddings said.

FEMA provides temporary housing assistance, living expenses and helps victims with insurance claims.

“If insurance doesn’t cover it, FEMA will give them a few months rent, where they can get on their feet, find a better place. Immediate needs, they can rent an apartment or stay in a motel if they have to for a few months,” Giddings said.

Other FEMA locations in Louisville are at First Baptist Church and with the American Red Cross at Walmart.