(FEMA.GOV)
By Angela Briggs, special to WCLU News
GLASGOW — Barren County residents are now eligible for emergency assistance from FEMA.
Troy York, media representative for FEMA, says there are three ways for residents impacted by the Dec. 10 and 11 tornados to apply for these monies. Application can be made by phone, online or in person. Of the three, York recommends applying in person.
“If they at all can, I would recommend that they go in person because then they get to sit down across from the intake person and have a conversation and it’s easier for the intake person to get a feel and lead them to questions to solicit all the information that they need,” York says.
The nearest place to apply is Greenwood Mall in Bowling Green in the former Sears store. Applicants need an ID and proof of property ownership such as a utility bill, proof of car payment or insurance on a vehicle.
York says homeowners, renters or auto insurance claims must be filed first before people apply for FEMA assistance.
“You need to have made application to whatever insurances you may have to bring to bear,” York says. “It’s helpful to have some answer from the insurance folks as to ‘yes, you’re covered for this and that but not the other thing.’”
York encourages everyone to be aware of scammers, especially during this time. Anyone with FEMA will be in a clearly marked vehicle and will have a FEMA ID readily available.
York says a good way to find out if someone is legitimate is to take a selfie with them.
“I advise take a picture with them standing in front of or beside their truck. Maybe it has their name on the side of the truck and or the license plate of their truck just in the off chance,” York says. “I’d say they’d disappear on you, but at least you’ll have some way to catch up to them.”
The number to call to apply over the phone is 1 (800) 621-3362. Applicants can go online to disasterassistance.gov and in person at Greenwood Mall.
The application approval and money disbursal turnaround time is about two weeks.
