SCEMD and FEMA Encourage South Carolina Flood Survivors to Keep Information Updated

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Survivors of South Carolina’s recent floods who registered for disaster assistance are urged to keep their personal information updated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency throughout the recovery process.

Applicants should share any change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information with FEMA to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.

Keeping in touch with FEMA allows applicants to learn where they are in the application process, initiate appeals and reschedule home inspections. They can also notify FEMA about insurance settlements and ask any disaster-related questions.

To update information or apply for assistance call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities should call 800-462-7585 (TTY); those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362.

Operators are on duty from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Survivors can also visit DisasterAssistance.gov or a disaster recovery center. Find the closest center online at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.  

Applicants who are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration should complete and return their application as soon as possible. No one is obligated to accept a loan. The information provided on the application is needed to determine if an applicant qualifies for a loan or may be referred for other federal and state help.

For more information, applicants can contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, log onto DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may call 800-877-8339.

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