GREENSBORO, NC -- It's been a little more than a month since an EF-2 tornado ripped through Greensboro and parts of Rockingham County. The twister created 30 miles of destruction. In Greensboro alone, more than 1,000 structures were damaged - more than 200 of them were destroyed or received major damage.
Our neighbors were left in the rubble while first responders and local people hit the pavement to help them. Then, days later, the federal government stepped in. President Donald Trump approved federal aid for tornado victims. Now, FEMA is in the Triad doing what they can to help.
FEMA says they've approved more than 200 applications and given out more than $591,000. More money is available. The only problem: they don't know who needs it. If you need federal money to pick up the pieces after the tornado, you need to apply for FEMA aid. The deadline to apply is July 9th. Here's how it's done:
HOMEOWNERS:
- To register, call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
- If you use a TTY call 1-800-462-7585
- You'll want to have the following ready to go:
- Your address with zip code
- Directions to your property
- Condition of your damaged home
- Insurance information, if available
- Social Security number
- Phone number where a representative can reach your
- Address where you can get mail
You'll be able to get those funds through direct deposit if you wish. For that you'll need to provide your bank account type, number and bank routing number.
FEMA also wants you to stay in touch with them after you apply. When you register you'll be given a FEMA registration number. Make sure you save that. You'll need it whenever you contact FEMA.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS:
The Small Business Administration is also on the ground helping you apply for federal loans. Businesses can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace assets. They may also borrow working capital to help them pay bills. Landlords may also apply for a disaster loan as a business. Here's how to do that:
- First, register with FEMA (see above instructions)
- Then go online to sba.gov/disaster and apply
- If you'd rather apply in person, you can go to a Disaster Recovery Center (information below)
- Or you can call 800-569-29585
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS:
There are two centers open in the Triad. They are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Guilford County
Guilford County Dept. of Public Health
1203 Maple Street
Greensboro, NC 27405
Rockingham County
1716 Freeway Drive (right off BUS 29)
Reidsville, NC 27320