I am saddened by the loss of life, property and infrastructure in our state of South Carolina of “smiling faces and beautiful places.” However, I want to update you on FEMA assistance and other information regarding disaster relief.
First, I am thankful that President Obama and FEMA expedited the major disaster declaration. It is clear that we will need significant federal assistance to recover from this disaster. I have been working closely with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to add more affected counties to the disaster declaration. Last night, FEMA added Sumter, Clarendon, and Berkeley counties to the other eight declared for individual assistance. There are still counties in dire need of assistance, however, and I am working to bring them to the attention of federal authorities.
To start the process of getting aid from FEMA, individuals should contact 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or online at www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA has staff on the ground ready to begin inspecting home damages to process payments for repairs.
Individuals anywhere in South Carolina, even in counties that are not currently covered by the individual assistance declaration should start the process of getting registered with FEMA, documenting their losses, and submitting that information to FEMA. This way, once counties are added to the declaration for individual assistance, the paperwork will be done.
The SCEMD hotline for questions regarding disaster relief is 866-246-0133. SCEMD has a map of projected flood areas on their website as more flooding is expected as the water makes its way to the coast. http://www.scemd.org/
Individuals can begin to clean debris and damaged property out of their homes; FEMA will provide reimbursement to covered counties for debris pickup from the curb. Several South Carolina volunteer organizations expect to be deployed soon to begin helping individuals with this process.
I have attached some other necessary tips. Be strong. We are some resilient people and are stronger when we work together.
With kindest regards,
Congressman Jim Clyburn