However, the DRC operating in downtown Cleveland will remain open until further notice, along with centers in Polk/McMinn, Hamilton, Claiborne, Cumberland and Monroe counties. Earlier published reports this week indicated the Bradley County center will close Monday, but it will remain open pending further notification by FEMA officials.
Susan Solomon, FEMA information officer, confirmed today centers in the immediate area will remain open to assist storm survivors. DRCs in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton counties will close Monday.
Tornadoes which struck a month ago caused millions of dollars in damage throughout communities in Southeast and East Tennessee.
Tennessee Emergency Management, along with FEMA, worked with Cleveland-Bradley County Emergency Management Agency to establish a local DRC at the former First Baptist Church Annex located at 340 Church St.
Solomon related an updated figure on the amount of assistance which is to be provided in the 10 counties affected and is expected to give a breakdown of Bradley County and Polk County as well.
“At this time, $514,000 of assistance has been approved to the 650 applicants. I would like to stress the dollar amounts could change,” Solomon said Thursday.
All residents with storm damage are encouraged to file with FEMA and fill out all paperwork including Small Business Administration forms.
According to information provided by FEMA and TEMA, “Homeowners and renters with insurance should fill out the FEMA application and SBA loan application while they are waiting for their insurance decision. It saves time. If insurance doesn’t cover all of their disaster related expenses, FEMA and/or SBA assistance may be available to fill the gap.”
Over $3 million damage was done in Bradley County by the March 2 tornado.
“Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of this disaster,” according to FEMA.
The Bradley County DRC is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.
If possible, before visiting a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants using TTY can call 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Applicants can also register by computer online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, according to FEMA information.
