FEMA Assistance Tally Is More Than Half A Million Dollars For Local Tornado Victims

So far, the federal government has given more than half a million dollars to assist local tornado victims in Guilford and Rockingham Counties.

It's been nearly two months since an EF-2 tornado ripped through Greensboro, destroying homes, businesses and schools. One person was killed. The storm also ravaged communities in Rockingham County. 

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1,169 people in Guilford County have registered for federal assistance. In Rockingham County the number is 90. Roger Ingram with FEMA says the money will help victims get a fresh start.

“It will help a person with rental assistance and repairs to their homes. It can help with furniture, automobile repair and other items,” says Ingram. "It's extremely important that they talk with their insurance company and find out exactly what coverage they will get from them. Once they've settled with their insurance company, if they are underinsured or uninsured, they can come back to FEMA with their settlement letter and there may be other assistance available for that individual.”

FEMA also partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration to help people recover from disaster situations. The agency offers low interest rate loans. SBA officials say as of this week, they've approved more than $400,000 to help individuals and local business owners affected by the storm.

“We have received 741 home referrals from FEMA and 143 business referrals," says A.J. Velazquez, a public affairs specialist with the Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance.

FEMA officials say individuals shouldn't wait to apply for federal aid. The registration deadline for that is July 9th.

Ingram says victims can receive help with the process and SBA loan application at the Disaster Recovery Center located on Maple Street in Greensboro.

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