Chatham County Opens Disaster Recovery Center to Support Residents After Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene

Chatham County Residents: Help is Here After Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene

Chatham County, Georgia, is gearing up to assist residents affected by the recent disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is stepping in to open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Savannah Technical College, starting Tuesday, October 22. This is welcome news for many who are looking for support and guidance following the harsh weather that recently swept through the area.

What is the Disaster Recovery Center?

The DRC will be a go-to place for residents seeking in-person assistance regarding their disaster-related needs and questions. You’ll find local state and federal resources available to help you navigate the relief process, answer your questions, and provide support.

Located at 5717 White Bluff Rd, the DRC will be open:

• Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

What Can Residents Expect at the DRC?

When you visit the DRC, you can expect to find an array of helpful resources:

• In-person assistance with your FEMA applications.
• Information on what to do if you’ve sustained damages from the storm.
• Support in understanding your eligibility for assistance.

If you need help but can’t make it to the DRC, don’t worry! You can still apply for FEMA assistance without visiting the center. Homeowners and renters can easily apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or give a call to 1-800-621-3362, available daily and offering support in multiple languages.

Eligibility and What to Bring

To qualify for assistance, there are a few important points to keep in mind before you dive into the application process:

• You need to have experienced property damage from the storm.
• Either homeowners, renters, or flood insurance must be in place, but be sure to file a claim as soon as possible, as FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses already covered by insurance.
• If your insurance doesn’t cover all expenses related to the disaster, you may still be eligible for federal assistance.

If you have already applied for FEMA assistance and have questions about your case, it’s advisable to bring all relevant documentation to the DRC. This will help to make the process smoother and quicker for you! For detailed eligibility requirements, feel free to visit fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/eligibility.

Looking for Other DRC Locations?

If you’re not in the Chatham County area or looking for a more convenient location, you can find other Disaster Recovery Centers by using the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Locator. This tool will help direct you to the nearest center offering assistance tailored to your needs.

The aftermath of a storm can feel overwhelming, but help is on the way. The DRC forms part of a community effort to restore normalcy and provide support to residents who need it most. Don’t hesitate to reach out and find the assistance available to you!

Author: HERE Hilton Head