DISASTER ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE THROUGH:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

The Disaster Relief Center of the Federal Emergency Management Agency now has offices set up in Hickman County for people to apply for assistance under their programs.  The center is located at the Outreach Center of the Centerville Church of Christ, 111 East Swan Street, in Centerville.  Disaster assistance to homeowners and businesses is available between the hours of 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., seven days a week until all applications have been made.  Officials ask that before visiting the center that you first register with FEMA at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.

Helpful FEMA Links:

• Federal Disaster Declaration Sheet
• Assistance to Individuals and Households
• Public Assistance Information
• Overall Guide to the Disaster Declaration Process
• Preventing Damage From Mold
• Cleaning Up Your Flooded Home

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA):

Helpful THDA Links:

• Housing Assistance Program
• Emergency Repair Program for the Elderly (See County Mayor)

Small Business Administration (SBA):

• Disaster Loan Fact Sheet

Tennessee Department of Labor:

• Unemployment for Tennessee Flood Victims

Department of Human Services (DHS):

The Tennessee Department of Human Services has extended the Disaster Food Stamp program though Friday, May 28th.  The emergency cash program for eligible storm victims has also been extended.  All request for assistance must be made at you local DHS office, and federal regulations require a face-to-face interview.  Applicants for cash assistance MUST have previously registered with FEMA and suffered damage from the storms/flood.

Helpful DHS Links:

• News & Information on Various Programs
• Information on Emergency Food Stamps
• Application for Emergency Food Stamps

Various Disaster Recovery Tips:

• Flood Recovery Tips - University of Tennessee
• Preparing Food In Disaster Situations - Busy Cooks
• Protect Yourself From Mold - Tennessee Department of Health
• Protect Yourself From Mold - Centers for Disease Control
• Resources For Storm Victims - State of Tennessee

Livestock Losses:

Livestock owners who suffered livestock losses may be eligible for benefits under the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).  Eligible livestock are those maintained for commercial use as part of a farming operation on the day of death.  Losses must be reported within 30 days of when losses of livestock are apparent.  These notices of loss may be filed by telephone, fax, email, or in person at the FSA office in Centerville.  Applicants must have verifiable documentation of the loss or reliable loss documentation in conjunction with verifiable inventory records.  Further information concerning supporting documentation and eligibility can be obtained from FSA. 

Producers with failed acreage due to a disaster-related condition should report that acreage as failed acreage prior to disposition of the crop.  For insured crops, acreage must be reported as failed before the final crop-reporting date for the crop and must provide crop insurance data to support reported failed acreage.

Producers with Non-insured crop insurance (NAP) on hay or pasture are reminded to report any losses within 15 days from the day that losses are apparent.

Producers who have damage to agricultural fields caused by flooding or tornados should give contact information to FSA staff for possible assistance in a later signup.  More information will come later concerning Emergency Loan availability.

Penny Litton
County Executive Director
Hickman/Lewis/Perry FSA
931-729-2686 ext.104
931-729-5786, (FAX)
penny.litton@tn.usda.gov