Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Tennessee and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds during the period of June 25 to June 26, 2023.
Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in Fayette, Shelby, and Tipton Counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Mr. Andrew D. Friend of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
What is a Tennessee Disaster Declaration?
A Tennessee disaster declaration is a declaration by the President of the United States that a major disaster exists in the state of Tennessee. This declaration makes federal funding available to help state and local governments and individuals recover from the disaster.
To qualify for a disaster declaration, the damage must be caused by a natural disaster, such as a tornado, hurricane, or flood, or by a man-made disaster, such as a terrorist attack or an industrial accident. The damage must also be widespread and severe enough to exceed the capabilities of state and local governments to respond.
Once a disaster declaration is issued, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide a variety of assistance to affected individuals and communities. This assistance can include:
- Temporary housing
- Disaster grants to help with home repairs or replacement of essential personal property
- Low-interest loans to help businesses recover
- Public assistance to help states and local governments pay for debris removal, road repairs, and other disaster-related expenses
To apply for disaster assistance, individuals and businesses should visit the FEMA website or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).
Recent Tennessee Disaster Declarations
The most recent Tennessee disaster declarations were issued by President Biden on April 7, 2023, and August 17, 2023. The April declaration was in response to severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that caused damage in nine counties in West Tennessee. The August declaration was in response to severe storms and straight-line winds that caused damage in 15 counties in Middle Tennessee.
How to Get Help After a Tennessee Disaster Declaration
If you have been affected by a disaster in Tennessee, there are a few things you can do to get help:
- Contact FEMA to apply for disaster assistance.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim.
- Contact your local government for information on additional assistance programs.
- Stay informed about the disaster and the recovery effort by listening to local news broadcasts and visiting the FEMA website.
Recovery from a disaster can be a long and difficult process, but there is help available. If you have been affected by a disaster in Tennessee, please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.