Dresden, Tenn.–The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is continuing to process the application submitted by the State of Tennessee for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the nine Tennessee Counties affected by the December 10-11 tornado outbreak.
Dresden Mayor Jeff Washburn said FEMA last Friday submitted a request to Weakley County for additional damage information. “The City of Dresden was able to reply to that request in part the same day and has until this Friday to submit the remainder of the information requested. FEMA may have requested information for other counties as well as it reviews the data submitted on behalf of each affected county for completeness prior to submitting g the Tennessee application to the President for his signature,” he said.
“Locally, we are asking affected citizens to be prepared for what will take place once the Disaster is declared and FEMA moves in,” Washburn said. “This is important particularly for those who have homes or businesses to be demolished. You should have copies of your insurance policies along with claim information if possible. A copy of your property deed will also be beneficial to show ownership of the real estate that you are seeking to have cleaned up.This will assist in the processing of your request for any FEMA assistance as a result of damage to your property. If you haven’t done so, please file your insurance claims asap including a claim for cleanup expenses. FEMA will require that all insurance benefits be expended prior to providing assistance. This is a very important detail to address. The demolition does not have to be completed prior to the arrival of FEMA.”
Having in hand proof of income for your family may also be requested in regard to your application for FEMA assistance. Therefore it may be a good idea to have copies of W-2 forms and other tax forms for 2021 and copies of your most recent federal tax return in case these documents are required.
Washburn said, “We are also encouraging persons to go ahead and remove salvagable personal property from your residence that is to be demolished in the event you haven’t already done so. Once the cleanup process begins we do not want to hinder that process with unnecessary delays. Our desire is complete the cleanup phase as quickly and smoothly as possible in order that we may proceed to the rebuilding and recovery phase.”
Property owners are requested to fill out a Demolition Request form at the Volunteer Center located at 8250 Hwy 22. Filling out this form will enable utilities be disconnected from the property ahead of the demolition process and make for a smoother flow when buildings begin to be demolished after FEMA arrives.
Photo: Dresden First Methodist Church right after the tornado hit. Bobby Goode photo.