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Kent County residents can receive FEMA disaster assistance for damage incurred during Aug 2023 storms

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August tornados and storms caused property damage in several counties – apply for FEMA assistance today (Courtesy, pxhere.com)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Michigan residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties with property damage from the Aug. 24-26, 2023 tornadoes, severe storms and flooding may now call or go online to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.

To start the application process, contact FEMA by going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. When calling the FEMA Helpline, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

Federal assistance may include temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.

Have the following information ready when you apply with FEMA:

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
  • Your social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf).
  • A general list of damage and losses.
  • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Those who already made repairs or started their recovery should still apply.

FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster even after recovery has started, and they will discuss that damage with you when they come to your home. Be prepared to show repair receipts, photos and any other disaster-related documentation as well.


FEMA offers tips on how to be prepared for the assistance process (Courtesy, pxhere.com)


Important reminders after applying:

Keep important steps in mind when navigating your FEMA assistance process after the August severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

  • Next, comes a call. Typically, after you apply, you will be contacted by a FEMA inspector to schedule an appointment. Be sure to answer the phone. The inspector’s phone number may be from out of state or show up on caller ID as “unavailable.”
     
  • Then, inspection day. The inspection includes looking at disaster-damaged areas of your home and reviewing your records. FEMA inspectors will carry an official photo ID and will never ask for bank information. They will also never ask for money and never require payment in any form.

    The inspector will ask to verify the applicant’s name, address, contact information, occupancy, ownership status, household occupants and insurance coverage. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and ASL interpreters, are available to ensure effective communication with survivors. 
     
  • Don’t forget to fill out and submit your U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application. After applying for disaster assistance, applicants may be referred to the SBA. There’s no obligation to accept a loan, but you may miss out on the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds if you don’t apply. If you don’t qualify for an SBA disaster loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for other types of grant assistance.
     
  • Finally, a decision will be sent to you. You will receive a letter explaining FEMA’s eligibility decision within 10 days after the inspector’s visit. Be sure to read it closely; it may explain additional steps needed to continue with the process. If you are eligible for assistance, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit based on what you selected during your application.

To learn more about the inspection process, visit our website at Home Inspections | FEMA.gov.

FEMA: additional information

Getting help to those who need it most is FEMA’s priority. Recovery teams will be out soon in the neighborhoods affected by the disaster to provide one-on-one support to individuals. Recovery centers will also be opening for individuals to get additional in-person help.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.

Wyoming Fire Department receives $138,573 FEMA grant

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The Wyoming Fire Department received a grant that will go toward purchasing new rescue equipment.

The City of Wyoming will be able to purchase new emergency equipment – thanks to a $138,573 grant awarded to its Department of Public Safety – Fire Division.

The City has received an Assistance to Firefighter Grant through the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Association. The grant will be used by the department to purchase emergency equipment to aid with automobile extrications, hazardous material incidents, rope, water, ice and trench rescues, and medical and technical rescue incidents.  

City of Wyoming firefighters spend nearly 5,000 hours in training each year, with a large portion of that time focused on fire operations and technical rescue. The new equipment, which was carefully selected to serve multiple purposes, will allow them to grow their skills and further prepare for a variety of rescue situations that may arise in the community. 

“The safety and well-being of our residents is the focal point for everything we do,” said Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Van Tassell. “This new rescue equipment will enhance our current capabilities and allow us to demonstrate additional leadership related to a wide variety of emergency incidents and operations.

“We’re grateful for FEMA’s confidence in our department – both our skills and abilities, and the manner in which we steward our resources.”

About the Wyoming Department of Public Safety – Fire Bureau: The Wyoming Department of Public Safety – Fire Bureau is a citizen-focused provider of fire protection, emergency medical and rescue services. First established in 1968, the Department now serves more than 75,000 residents and covers approximately 27 square miles. From fire protection to EMS, inspections, training and more, each section of the Fire Bureau plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the citizens of Wyoming. For more information, please visit www.wyomingmi.gov.

Kentwood Fire Department Set to Receive Extra Funds

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Kentwood Fire FightersThe Kentwood Fire Department will be receiving a nice little gift from Congress thanks to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters grant program. These grants help fun professional training programs, update equipment and facilities, and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazard efficiently and effectively.

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters announced that the Kentwood Fire Department would be receiving $114,949 to help improve its operations and boost safety in the community.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our families, homes and communities safe,” said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help the Kentwood Fire Department safely protect their community.”

Senator Peters added, “First responders are on the front lines when emergencies strike in their communities, and it is important they have the resources needed to protect themselves. With these funds, firefighters in Kentwood can be better equipped to make their neighborhood a safer place to live.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grand program is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).