Beaufort County Opens New FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to Aid Hurricane Victims

Beaufort County Welcomes New FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Beaufort, S.C. is stepping up to support its residents as they continue to recover from the recent hurricanes that reached our shores. In a friendly initiative, the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center officially opened its doors this week at the Burton Wells Recreation Center. This center aims to be a “one-stop-shop” for anyone affected by the storms, offering in-person assistance for a variety of needs.

What You Can Expect at the Center

The Disaster Recovery Center is designed to help residents navigate the often confusing waters of disaster assistance. Whether you need to register for aid, check the status of your application, or have questions about how to utilize disaster relief funds, the staff is ready and waiting to assist. The center will be open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM and will continue to serve the community through October 31st.

Nikki Gaskins Campbell, a media relations specialist with FEMA, emphasizes the importance of ongoing support during the recovery process. “Recovery is never a sprint. Unfortunately, it is a marathon, and FEMA is here in the state of South Carolina for the long haul,” she said. This sentiment reflects the long-term commitment FEMA is making to help communities rebuild and recover.

Understanding FEMA Assistance

As you navigate through the disaster recovery process, Campbell urges residents to first deal with their insurance claims. “It’s important, though, that they file with their insurance first because, by law, we cannot duplicate insurance payments,” she said. This means that before applying for FEMA assistance, residents should ensure that they have reached out to their insurance providers to understand what is covered. Knowing this information can significantly smooth the process of receiving aid.

While there have been some misunderstandings floating around about the amount of aid FEMA is offering—specifically, the notion that victims are limited to just $750—Campbell clarified that this isn’t the full story. “If you reach out to FEMA, and you still have to reach out to FEMA to see if you’re eligible for that $750, but just know, if you do get that, that would possibly be in addition to other assistance you got from FEMA,” she explained.

Applying for Assistance

Though the in-person center provides invaluable help, the quickest way to apply for assistance remains online. It allows applicants to get the ball rolling without delay. While visiting the center may provide benefits, the convenience of online applications cannot be overstated, especially for those who prefer to complete their requests from home.

In this difficult time, the local community stands together with organizations like FEMA, which is dedicated to ensuring that residents in Beaufort County receive all the support they need. This Disaster Recovery Center is an excellent opportunity for those still grappling with the aftermath of the storms to ask questions, seek guidance, and get the help they deserve.

For anyone affected by the hurricanes who is looking for assistance, don’t miss out on this opportunity to talk directly to FEMA representatives who can help guide you through this important recovery process. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and support is just around the corner at the Burton Wells Recreation Center!