GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — More than $1.1 million has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for tornado victims in Middle Tennessee.
“You take stress of the holidays and then compound that with a natural disaster, that puts stress to a new level for folks,” explained Craig Browning, a FEMA spokesperson.
Browning took News 2 inside a FEMA disaster recovery center (DRC) on Wednesday, Dec. 27. The DRC is where victims can apply for federal assistance in person.
“We want to hear your story, we need to hear your story, because we want to know how this has personally impacted you and your family,” Browning said.
The center in Gallatin is just one of four centers that recently opened their doors in the areas hit the hardest by the deadly Dec. 9 tornado outbreak.
“If you’re in Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery, or Sumner counties, if you’re affected, register for FEMA,” Browning advised.
However, Browning said it’s important to file your insurance claim before visiting one of the locations.
“By law, we cannot duplicate benefits, so if you have insurance, it's critically important that you file your insurance claim, whether it be homeowner's or renter's insurance,” he explained.
According to Browning, he’s traveled across the country to disaster zones, but the severe weather earlier this month hit close to home.
"I am a local to this community," Browning said. "I live here in the mid-state, personally, and I'm able to help people in my own backyard."
The deadline to apply for FEMA is Feb. 12, 2024. After you apply, you will receive a letter or email from FEMA on your next steps.
DRCs are located in the following places:
- Bibb-White Bluff Civic Center at 1054 Old Charlotte Road in White Bluff is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
- Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library at 350 Pageant Lane in Clarksville is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
- Gallatin Public Utilities Training Facility at 239 Hancock Street in Gallatin is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
- Nashville Public Library at 610 Gallatin Pike South in Madison is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
All centers will close on Jan. 1, 2024.
For more information about FEMA's recovery efforts in Middle Tennessee, including details on how to apply for assistance and how to appeal FEMA's decision about your application, follow this link.