Homeowners, renters, and businesses with underinsured or uninsured disaster-related losses still have until the June 6, 2023, deadline to apply for assistance with FEMA and the SBA. Middle Tennessee experienced storms this spring that produced 70-mph winds and tornadoes in Rutherford County that destroyed or damaged many homes and businesses on March 31 and April 1.
Kim Keblish, a representative for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Yabsira “Yab” Adera with the Small Business Administration (SBA) provide important disaster assistance information on the latest edition of “The Insider.” The City’s official podcast is available on CityTV, YouTube and multiple podcast platforms.
Listen to “The Insider” at https://cityofmurfreesborotn.podbean.com/. “The Insider” is available for viewing on YouTube beginning at 6:30 p.m. May 19 https://youtu.be/EhvsEqhcotg.
This edition of Insider features:
- How those affected by the tornadoes near Readyville and Rockvale can still apply for FEMA assistance
- What impacted residents should look for when applying for FEMA assistance
- The difference between private insurance and FEMA assistance in disaster coverage
- How to avoid fraud after becoming victims of severe weather
- Who is eligible for SBA assistance and the requirements of the program
- Benefits of SBA loans to homeowners and businesses
FEMA opened 6 Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers and four fixed Disaster Recovery Centers across Tennessee following the storms.
Homeowners and renters in Rutherford and Cannon counties with underinsured or uninsured disaster-related loss from the March 31 – April 1 tornadoes and severe storms have until the June 6th deadline to apply for FEMA assistance. Residents can apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Applicants can also call the FEMA Helpline throughout the application process to ask a FEMA specialist questions about their application, receive clarification on letters or correspondence from FEMA, and receive help with appeals.
Some types of FEMA assistance may include temporary hotel reimbursement, rental assistance, home repair or replacement, and coverage for other disaster-related expenses, such as moving and storage, vehicle repair or replacement, childcare, or medical and dental costs.
FEMA informs affected residents that the easiest way to submit requested documents is by uploading them to the applicant’s DisasterAssistance.gov account. Alternatively, documents can be submitted through postal mail to: FEMA Individuals Households Program National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.
After impacted residents apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, they may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the largest source of federal disaster funds for survivors. If you receive a disaster loan application, residents are encouraged to submit it even if they are not sure they want or need a loan. If SBA cannot approve the loan application, SBA will refer to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance.
To apply to SBA online or to download applications, go to https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed.
“The Insider,” hosted by Mike Browning, originates from City Hall and produced by award-winning producer Michael Nevills.
Murfreesboro CityTV can be found on Comcast Channel 3 and 1094, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, YouTube, and the City website www.murfreesborotn.gov/citytv.
For City News online, visit www.Murfreesborotn.gov.