Tennessee Recovering from Winter Storm Fern, FEMA Aid Approved
– The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Friday it will deliver more than $1.4 million in assistance to Tennessee residents impacted by Winter Storm Fern. The aid comes following an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration granted by President Trump for 23 Tennessee counties.
The declaration, reportedly prompted by significant impacts from the winter storm, allows residents in those counties to access federal resources to supplement state and local recovery efforts. The assistance is intended to support repairs and recovery for homeowners, renters and businesses.
The severity of Winter Storm Fern has already resulted in a rising number of fatalities across the state, and widespread power outages continue to frustrate residents. As of , recovery efforts are ongoing, with a focus on restoring power and providing essential resources to affected communities.
FEMA’s assistance includes individual assistance, which can cover expenses such as temporary housing, home repairs, and other serious disaster-related needs. The agency is working closely with state and local officials to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
Residents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. The helpline is available 7 a.m. To 10 p.m. (in your time zone), seven days a week, and hours may be extended during periods of high activity. FEMA also notes that individuals who use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service (CTS), or other communication services should provide FEMA with their service number.
The process for obtaining a major disaster declaration, as outlined by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, requires a request from the governor of the affected state or territory, or by the tribal leader. Detailed information on the rules and procedures governing disaster declarations is available on the FEMA website.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have acknowledged the cumulative strain that consecutive weather events can place on families, businesses, and local governments. This recognition underscores the importance of community resilience in the face of natural catastrophes and extreme weather, a topic recently addressed in a report by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR).
The TACIR report, published in September 2020, focused on collaborating to improve community resiliency. While the specifics of the report’s recommendations weren’t detailed, its existence highlights the ongoing efforts within the state to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of future disasters.
As Tennessee continues to grapple with the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, the coordinated response from FEMA, TEMA, and local authorities will be crucial in facilitating a swift and effective recovery. Residents are urged to stay informed about available resources and to prioritize their safety and well-being.
