An announcement made last week by the Federal Emergency Management Agency put Escambia County in a list with 46 other counties in the state affected by tornadoes during April.
Escambia County Emergency Management Director David Adams said the addition of Escambia County will offer area residents a chance to secure funds to help with rebuilding after the storms.
“The storms that came through our area on April 15 is why we have been added to the list of counties in Alabama eligible to apply for individual assistance through FEMA,” Adams said. “Any resident that suffered losses during that even should contact FEMA as soon as possible.”
In an effort to make applying for assistance more convenient, Adams said a strike team with FEMA will be in Brewton next week.
“A FEMA strike team will be in Brewton for three days next week to help individuals with assistance,” Adams said. “The group will be in the Emergency Management Agency office at the Escambia County Courthouse for those days.”
FEMA officials will be available to meet with affected residents Monday from noon to 6 p.m., and Tuesday and Wesdnesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“They will be there to assist applicants with the documentation process and to provide other assistance as needed,” Adams said. “There will also be representatives from the Small Business Adminsitration on hand to provide information on low interest loans.”
Adams said loans may be available to homeones and businesses that were affected in the event.
Potential applicants should call the toll-free FEMA number to receive an identification number needed to file a claim. Applicants should bring the FEMA ID number and other documents to meet with FEMA officials next week, Adams said.
To contact FEMA for a claim identification number call 1-800-621-3362. No appointment is necessary during the application process in Brewton.
For more information call the Escambia County EMA office at 867-0232.