More FEMA Updates

Th next phase of FEMA ending direct operations on the ground takes place at the end of this week. After the Disaster Recovery Centers serving the disaster area closed on January 7, FEMA operated Document Processing Centers in three counties in East Tennessee, the closest to Cocke County being in Erwin in Unicoi County. FEMA announced today that all Document Processing Centers will close in East Tennessee as of 5pm this Friday, January 24.

While FEMA operated directly in the East Tennessee disaster area, more than 5,146 people were able to get information and guidance in face-to-face meetings with FEMA, the US Small Business Administration and other agencies and organizations. FEMA is urging those who have applied for assistance to stay in touch. FEMA representatives may need to get in touch with you throughout the FEMA assistance process. If you have a change in your phone number or a change of address where you are currently staying, make sure to contact FEMA and let them know. That way if there are any problems with your application, a FEMA representative can get in touch with you. You can contact FEMA by going to DisasterAssistance.gov, you can use the FEMA App on your mobile device or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7a.m. to midnight Eastern Time seven days a week. So far, FEMA has approved nearly $27 million in federal assistance for over 6,800 Tennessee households.