Federal Government Pays $9.7 Million for October Flooding
People impacted by one of the worst floodings that occurred in Jefferson and Shelby counties in Alabama on October 6th and 7th 2021 received $9.7 million from the federal government. On December 21, President Biden issued a federal disaster declaration for both counties, making federal assistance available, which means FEMA pays for Alabama October flooding. This assistance is provided in the form of grants intended for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, as well as other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.
Find out if you qualify for these programs here.
“Last night the City of Hoover experienced unprecedented intense rainfall that caused flash flooding in numerous areas. Several of these areas have not experienced flash flooding in the last 20 years. Numerous water rescues were conducted from stranded vehicles in multiple areas,” Hoover Fire Department said in a statement of 07 October.
According to FEMA, as of Jan 7, the National Flood Insurance Program had paid about $8.2 million to people who filed claims in Jefferson and Shelby counties. In addition, 213 homeowners and renters had received $1.1 million in federal grants under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, including approximately $1 million in housing assistance grants for home repairs, home replacement, and/or rental assistance and approximately $90,000 in other grants to replace essentials, household items and for other critical disaster-related costs. This assistance is given to people that haven’t received any insurance coverage. FEMA also encourages people to take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. People should keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repairs.
Find out if you qualify for these programs here.
To apply for federal assistance through FEMA, residents in Jefferson and Shelby counties can apply online on their official site or call 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to midnight, or by using the FEMA mobile app.
Assistance for Alabama Bisinesses
Alabama businesses impacted by the October flooding can also apply for assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a Business Recovery Center (BRC) at the Hoover Recreation Center in Hoover on Thursday, January 6 to provide Alabama businesses with one-on-one assistance in submitting a disaster loan application. Business Physical Disaster Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Home Disaster Loans are all available to help Alabama residents.
“Anyone who has had damage from the October floods resides and/or has a business in either Jefferson or Shelby County qualifies,” Public Affairs Specialist Sharon Gadbois said. “Then all businesses in the following counties, which is the Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Coosa, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties qualify for EIDL loans or economic injury disaster loans. So essentially, we cover underinsured and uninsured losses, SBA loans help repair, replace, and rebuild back to pre-existing conditions.”
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected].
