FEMA Helpline Can Answer Many Questions for Flood Survivors

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina residents affected by Oct. 1-23 storms and flooding can get information and answers to questions by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s helpline.

Residents can call the helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Survivors who use TTY may call 800-462-7585; those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. They can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov.

FEMA will accept applications for federal disaster assistance until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, 2016. Because the Jan. 3 deadline falls on a Sunday, the agency will allow flood survivors to register the following business day.

The helpline provides many services. Survivors can use the helpline to:

• Register for federal assistance. Households should register only once.

• Ask questions about FEMA decision letters.

• Learn how to appeal FEMA decision letters. All applicants may appeal.

• Inquire about the status of a registration.

• Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.

• Receive information about FEMA home inspections.

• Get questions answered about federal disaster assistance and the application process.

Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number and ZIP Code if they want to discuss their application.

Survivors should have the following information before registering:

• Date of loss

• Social Security number

• Current mailing address and damaged home address, including ZIP Code

• Telephone numbers

• Names of household members at the time of the disaster

• Insurance information

• Total gross income for the household

• Bank account numbers if they want to have money deposited directly, if eligible

• Loss descriptions

For the latest information on South Carolina flood recovery, visit scemd.org and fema.gov/disaster/4241.