The widespread destruction from last week’s storms and tornadoes across the Southeast has affected thousands of our fellow Americans.
Hundreds have lost their lives. This tragedy has touched so many people in Georgia and in other states throughout the Southeast. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost a loved one, are still searching for one, have been injured, or have lost a home or business — and there are many.
We also thank the first responders and emergency personnel, as well as residents and volunteers — many of whom are victims of this disaster — for working around the clock to help with recovery efforts.
Right now, our top priority across the federal government is supporting our state, local and community partners in the affected states. Since the deadly tornadoes first struck last week, the federal government has been in constant contact with all of the impacted states.
At the request of the respective governors, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has personnel on the ground in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.
FEMA has commodities — including food, water, tarps, durable medical equipment and consumable medical supplies — strategically prepositioned in the region.
Last Friday, President Barack Obama signed a major disaster declaration for Georgia. As of Sunday, counties covered by that declaration include Bartow, Catoosa, Coweta, Dade, Floyd, Greene, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Spalding, Troup and Walker,Gordon, Harris, Heard and Lumpkin counties.The latest counties are Cherokee, Habersham, Newton, Upson and White.
This means that federal assistance is available to individuals and small businesses in these counties that suffered personal property damages or losses, and for public infrastructure such as schools, fire stations, and libraries. Our teams remain in the field with state and local officials reviewing the scope of the damage, and additional counties also may become eligible for assistance as those assessments are completed.
On Sunday, we visited the Southeast with a delegation of colleagues from across government to meet with families and state and local officials, and to assess recovery efforts that are already under way.
Much like the president, we were heartbroken by the devastating losses on the ground, and moved by the strength and resiliency of communities.
We left inspired and want to ensure that the messages we shared with those we met reach all Georgians. First, this administration will continue to work hand-in-hand with Georgia.
Second, for regular updates, you can visit www.fema.gov.
Third, if you live in Bartow, Catoosa, Coweta, Dade, Floyd, Greene, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Spalding, Troup and Walker counties, you can apply for federal assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362, or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. These toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Individuals also can apply at www.disasterassistance.gov from a computer or m.fema.gov from a smartphone, and check on the status of applications.
Finally, the storms are a reminder of the importance of being prepared for tornadoes and other emergencies. If you have not done so, we encourage you to visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how prepare for natural disasters.
Rebuilding will be a long-term team effort. We stand with all of the affected families, neighborhoods and communities on the journey forward. You have, and will continue to have, our full support.
Janet Napolitano is secretary of Homeland Security and Craig Fugate is FEMA administrator.
About the Author
