One more day to apply for FEMA assistance from Matthew

One more day to apply for FEMA assistance from Matthew

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COLUMBIA SC (WOLO)– As much of South Carolina and the southeast braced for the impact of Hurricane Matthew in early October, residents were ordered to leave the coast and head for higher and potentially drier ground.  As people returned to their homes, many found damage and in far too often, devastation to their homes and property.

A state of emergency in South Carolina was declared not only by Governor Nikki Haley, but also the President.  With the state of emergency ordered, federal relief funds were made available to residents impacted by the storm.  The federal relief funds, as with many natural disasters, have been accessible through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of Homeland Security.

According to FEMA representative Ken Higginbotham, Tuesday December 13, 2016 is the last day that those impacted by the storm can apply for assistance.  “Contacting FEMA,” says Higginbotham, “is the key that opens the door to assistance.”  He does point out that although the window to apply for assistance closes Tuesday, FEMA will continue to work with families that have been impacted, by answering questions, and providing resources.

The US Small Business Association is another agency that provides assistance to victims of the storm.  The SBA’s Matthew Young says that to date, they have provided over $33 million in loans to families and businesses, in order to begin the rebuild process.

Derrec Becker from SCEMD adds that there are many resources available beyond the monetary assistance offered by FEMA and the SBA.  “There are a plethora of programs and volunteers to help,” says Becker.

Higginbotham says that the federal aid is for emergencies, not necessarily to “make you whole,” indicating that the FEMA funds are only part of the restoration and return to normal life.

If you are in need of FEMA assistance, or have questions, you can contact them at 1-800-621-FEMA or www.DisasterAssistance.gov.  Other assistance can be found at the SCEMD website, HERE and the Small Business Association site HERE.