Good Afternoon Graettinger!
As many of you know FEMA has been going door-to-door today throughout our community to get individuals signed up for assistance due to the severe flooding that took place recently. If you missed them they will attach a flyer to your door on how to apply. Kayla Hagen, our wonderful EMA/911 Coordinator for Palo Alto County, has also provided a step-by-step directions to apply:
Step 1: Apply for Assistance
-Meet with a Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Team going door to door
-Call FEMA’s hotline at 800-621-3362
-Visit www.disasterassistance.gov
-Download the FEMA App
-When available, go to a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
-DRC Locator: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
We will have a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opening soon, but you can also utilize the one in Clay County or Emmet County.
Step 2: Once you have applied, a FEMA Inspector will reach out
-They will try three times, so please answer your phone or text.
-If you do not answer, call, or text the inspector back, you will need to call the FEMA hotline or visit a DRC to get back on the inspection list.
Step 3: Once Inspection is complete
- FEMA will determine your eligibility for assistance. You will receive information explaining the decision within 10 days of the inspection, per the FEMA website.
Tips:
-Have your FEMA application number available
-Direct Deposit is much quicker than physical payment (for example, via check)
-Physical Correspondence is mail only
- If you receive a letter from FEMA saying you are “not approved” or “incomplete” this means more information is needed. The letter will state what is needed.
-Many times, this is due to having/needing documentation from your insurance
-Within 60 days of the decision letter, please send an acknowledgement in any capacity, as you do have the right to appeal.
-Once you apply, you can only change information (payment or correspondence method) by calling the FEMA hotline or visiting a DRC.
For general disaster recovery information visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/recover
Kayla will continue to update to the Palo Alto Emergency Management Facebook page.
~City of Graettinger~