NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a major disaster declaration for severe weather and flooding in April. That means affected individuals will be able to apply for individual assistance.
Between April 2 and April 6, parts of Middle Tennessee experienced severe storms, a tornado and flooding. The Volunteer State was in a Level 3 state of emergency following the event, allowing agencies to respond to damaged homes and infrastructure. According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, 10 people died.
On April 22, Gov. Bill Lee formally requested a major disaster declaration following the storms, and on Friday, the governor's office announced that the request had been approved.
"State and local officials continue to provide critical support to Middle and West Tennesseans who face a long road to recovery,” Lee said. “As the rebuilding process continues, I thank President Trump and our federal partners for granting resources to further our severe weather response and recovery.”
What does that mean for you?
The major disaster declaration means that some people are eligible to apply for FEMA's Individual Assistance Program and the agency's Public Assistance Program.
Through the IAP, you could get help with rent, home repairs or help with replacement of any personal property lost in the storms. Those eligible for the IAP could receive up to $43,600.
With the PAP, eligible government entities and some private nonprofits can apply for reimbursement of specific disaster-related expenses.
Are you eligible?
Eligibility is decided in part upon location. If you live in the following Middle Tennessee counties, you could be eligible for either FEMA's IAP or PAP:
- Cheatham: IAP and PAP
- Davidson: IAP and PAP
- Decatur: PAP
- Dickson: IAP
- Grundy: PAP
- Henry: PAP
- Hickman: PAP
- Montgomery: IAP
- Perry: PAP
- Stewart: PAP
- Wilson: IAP
The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency has coordinated with state and federal partners to host in-person assistance appointments and any Montgomery County resident has been encouraged to make an in-person appointment. For more information, or to make an appointment, you can call 931-648-5702.
How do you apply?
If you are eligible and would like to apply for the FEMA's IAP, you can follow this link to apply online anytime. You can also call 1-800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central. The The deadline to apply is August 19.