FEMA representatives in town helping at Disaster Recovery Center

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s been more than six months since floodwaters and an EF-3 tornado brought devastation to the Columbus in Lowndes County areas.

Now, FEMA representatives are in town helping those who were affected.

They’ve set up a Disaster Recovery Center at the East Columbus gym.

Anyone who received damages to their homes can register and apply for individual assistance.

Specialists are on hand to guide residents through each step of the recovery process.

For those who’ve already made repairs, FEMA encourages individuals to still register for assistance and to bring your receipts when you apply.

“Of course some people have insurance and we do not duplicate insurance benefits,” said Rebecca Kelly, FEMA Media Relations Specialist. “However, if you were under insured or uninsured, we can certainly give you some money to get you started on the recovery and making those repairs.”

“When you get your letter, if you are an individual or homeowner, when you get your letter from FEMA they will probably be referring you to SBA (Small Business Administration),” said Mary Gipson, Small Business Association Public Affairs Specialist. “One of the things that we encourage is that you follow the letter or call SBA, because once they refer you to the Small Business Administration, or SBA, you need to complete the application. It’s very critical that you complete it because it keeps the doors for other needed assistance open for you. If you fail to complete the application or complete the process then you cut off your assistance.”

The Disaster Recovery Center will be in Columbus until October 23.

It’s open Monday through Friday from 9 A.M until 6 P.M.

On Saturdays, the center will be open from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M.

For more information, visit https://www.wcbi.com/fema-individual-assistance-information-released/.