FEMA and MEMA offer disaster relief to Lauderdale County residents

Published 4:45 pm Monday, January 30, 2017

Lauderdale County residents affected by the Jan. 21 tornado have may apply for disaster relief at the FEMA/ MEMA Disaster Relief Center this week.

The center will be open for four days at the Greater Outreach Missionary Baptist Church at 9745 on Highway 39 South, just north of Ollhoft Road, in Meridian.

The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday.

At the center, residents affected by the tornado can learn about available assistance programs and connect to appropriate recovery resources. 

Deborah Mayfield, who lost her home during the tornado, visited Monday to learn what financial assistance she could get.

“It’s all coming together,” Mayfield said. “I’m looking into anything that will help me if I decide to rebuild.”

Mayfield was among a dozen residents looking for relief on Monday, according to Alberto Pillot, a FEMA public information officer.

“People might not come because they don’t think they are eligible,” Pillot said. “But don’t disqualify yourself – let FEMA decide that.”

Pillot stressed that families should register for assistance before visiting the center, but added that it may not be possible for families that may not have electricity or phones.

Once registered, an inspector from FEMA will make an appointment to visit and assess the damage. Pillot said FEMA may take 7-10 days to respond and advised homeowners not to get frustrated.

“FEMA is an immediate needs agency,” Pillot said. “We are there to make sure you are safe, sanitary and happy.”

FEMA does not duplicate so homeowners should contact their insurance first. FEMA can look at case specifics and determine what is missing and provide short-term rental assistance.

Pillot stressed the importance of documentation such as a Social Security card, description of the damage and information about insurance coverage as well as bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds. 

For additional relief that may go beyond the scope of FEMA funding, homeowners, renters and business owners can apply for long-term, low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Red Cross also has representatives at the center to provide additional assistance in debris clean-up. 

To register for disaster relief, call (800) 621-3363 or, for the hearing impaired, call (800) 462-7585. The phone line will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Additionally, residents can register online at disasterassistance.gov or through the FEMA app.