Long, a former Director of Alabama’s Emergency Management Agency, has more than 16 years of experience assisting and supporting local, state and federal governments with emergency management and public health preparedness programs.
His past experience includes working as a FEMA regional hurricane planner, a FEMA response team leader, and a statewide school safety coordinator. Long was invited to testify twice before the U.S. Congress regarding the process used by the nation in responding to, and recovering from, catastrophic events, recovery management and response logistics.
As Dougherty County storm victims begin registering and filing claims for individual assistance, Long offered some advice for claimants.
“I think the first thing they should do is contact the 1-800-621-FEMA number to begin getting into the system and registering,” Long said. “Or they can also go online and register at www.disasterassistance.gov. Typically, all applicants must be prepared to present their information, like their Social Security number, the address of the damaged home or apartment. They will have to provide a description of the damage and typically be asked about levels of insurance information. When it comes to getting individual assistance from FEMA, a lot of it is based on their amount of insurance coverage.”
Long stressed the importance of documenting all property damage.
“They’ll have to document when the damage occurred. Take pictures, make sure they keep receipts for any work they’ve had done, like temporary repairs,” he said. “They also need to document what work has been done to reduce further damages. They also need a good contact phone number or mailing address because a lot of times it’s hard for FEMA to get back in touch with people after they have registered.”
“If FEMA determines you qualify for assistance, they are also going to be asking for bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit purposes.”
Homeowners will also be asked to show proof of ownership, such as a tax bill, deed, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the applicant’s name and the damaged property’s address on the documentation. Renters must show proof of occupancy, a lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or another document confirming the location was their primary residence at the time of the disaster. Both homeowners and renters must provide a valid driver’s license or other photo identification.
“The biggest mistake people make is making that first phone call and being unprepared. It can be frustrating,” Long said. “But you have some hoops to jump through to qualify for any individual assistance. People also need to realize that FEMA cannot make them whole again, and that individual assistance is just a bridge to recovery.”
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