Time Running Out to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance for Wildfire Damage

Time Running Out to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance for Wildfire Damage






January 30, 2017


Sevierville, TN - - (January 30, 2017) - - Survivors needing disaster assistance for damage from the Sevier County wildfires are encouraged to register soon. Time is running out.

Federal disaster assistance is available to eligible individuals and households and those who were working in or visiting Sevier County and were affected by the Nov. 28-Dec. 9 wildfires. The deadline to register for disaster assistance is Monday, Feb. 13.

Applying for disaster assistance is a two-step process that ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. First, register with FEMA. Second, complete and return the SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster...

Federal Disaster Assistance Approaches $6 Million for Sevier County Wildfires




January 14, 2017


Sevierville, TN - - (January 13, 2017) - - Survivors of the Sevier County wildfires have received nearly $5.9 million in federal disaster assistance and loans from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

With the Feb. 13 deadline approaching to register for FEMA disaster assistance, here is a snapshot of the wildfire recovery in Tennessee since the Dec. 15 major disaster declaration.

Except as noted, the figures below are from close of business Jan. 12:

• Registrations approved for disaster assistance: 323

• Individuals and Households Program amount approved: nearly $2.4 million

• Housing Assistance approved: nearly $1.3 million

• Other Needs Assistance approved: nearly $1.1 million

• Percentage of housing inspections completed: 95 percent

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Sevier County Wildfire Survivors Reminded to Use Disaster Grants for Intended Purpose






January 14, 2017


Sevierville, TN - - (January 12, 2017) - - Officials urge survivors of the Sevier County wildfires to use their federal disaster aid for its intended purpose. Improperly using the funds could violate the declaration survivors sign to receive the grants and could result in future assistance being denied.

Once approved for disaster grants, survivors receive FEMA aid via check or an electronic direct deposit to their checking account. They receive a letter from FEMA providing information about the grant and how the money can be spent.

Before survivors receive their grants, they must sign a declaration and a release certifying that all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended.

These grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved, essential disaster-related...

Maximize Federal Assistance by Completing U.S. Small Business Administration Loan Application






January 14, 2017


Sevierville, TN - - (January 10, 2017) - - Disaster survivors who were affected by the Sevier County wildfires and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration could lose some income-based FEMA grants if they don’t complete and submit SBA’s loan application.

FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance grants may cover uninsured losses for furniture, appliances and other essential personal property, even vehicles. Survivors will not be considered for this type of assistance unless they complete and return the SBA loan application. The information on the application is used to determine eligibility for income-based assistance.

Disaster survivors who were affected by the Nov. 28 to Dec. 9 wildfires in Sevier County are encouraged to register with FEMA and, if referred, complete and submit...

Aid May Be Available to Repair or Replace Vehicles Damaged by Wildfires







January 14, 2017


Sevierville, TN - - (January 9, 2017) - - Disaster survivors whose vehicles were damaged or destroyed by the Sevier County wildfires of Nov. 28 to Dec. 9 may be eligible to receive federal assistance to repair or replace those vehicles.

“Those who may be eligible include not just residents of Sevier County but those who were working in or visiting Sevier County between Nov. 28 and Dec. 9, and had disaster-related damage to their vehicles,” said Federal Coordinating Officer W. Michael Moore, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Tennessee.

The following conditions apply to assistance for a damaged or destroyed vehicle:

• The damaged vehicle must have complied with applicable state laws regarding title, vehicle registration and insurance requirements at the time of the damage.

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Free Legal Assistance Available to Sevier County Wildfire Survivors





January 14, 2017


Sevierville, TN - - (January 9, 2017) - - — Free legal assistance is now available to low-income survivors of the Sevier County wildfires who need help with home repair contracts, counseling on landlord-tenant issues or assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims.

Survivors who can’t afford to hire a lawyer for their disaster-related legal issues will be matched with Tennessee lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.

Legal assistance can include:

• help securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors

• replacement of wills and other important legal documents lost or destroyed in the disaster

• assistance with consumer protection issues such as price gouging and avoiding contractor scams during rebuilding

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AmeriCorps Responds to Tennessee Wildfires



AmeriCorps National Community Civiian Corps teams and specialized emergency response members deployed to assist recovery efforts





January 9, 2017



Washington, DC - - (December 9, 2016) - - The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, announced the first resources deployed to support the response to the wildfires in Tennessee. The more than 30 AmeriCorps members, many of whom come from the agency’s National Community Civilian Corps (NCCC) program, are spread from the Great Smoky Mountains into Sevier County.

Currently, three AmeriCorps NCCC teams have boots on the ground at the Rocky Top Sports Complex and Volunteer Reception Center in the Gatlinburg area. The AmeriCorps NCCC members are providing support for shelter operations, donations management, meal distribution, as well...