Savannah Standard

Georgia residents affected by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene have one week remaining to apply for FEMA assistance. The deadline for federal disaster aid is set for February 7, 2025.

Individuals in counties approved for assistance due to Hurricane Helene include Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock. Other counties such as Irwin and Jeff Davis are also included in the list of those eligible for support.

For Tropical Storm Debby-related assistance specifically available to Bryan County residents and others from Bulloch and Chatham counties among others are encouraged to apply.

Those with storm-related expenses who reside or own businesses in these areas should consider applying for disaster relief. "FEMA assistance can provide grants," while the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans aimed at temporary housing and home repairs among other needs.

For further details or to apply online with SBA visit their website. Alternatively contact their Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Applications for FEMA aid can be submitted through DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA App on mobile devices. Additionally calling toll-free 800-621-3362 is an option; this line operates daily with multilingual support available. Assistance is also accessible through the Georgia Call Center at 678-547-2861 from Monday to Saturday.

In-person applications are possible at Disaster Recovery Centers where both FEMA and SBA specialists offer help with applications upload documents answer questions and provide information on resources available. For locations and hours visit fema.gov/drc; all centers accommodate people with disabilities or functional needs using assistive technology.

An accessible video detailing how to apply for assistance is available on YouTube under "FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance."

"FEMA provides help to all disaster survivors regardless of race color national origin sex sexual orientation religion age disability English proficiency or economic status." Their priority remains ensuring that aid reaches those in need.