FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance is flowing in Fairmont following torrential Father’s Day weekend rains and flash flooding.
City Manager Travis Blosser said residents should prepare themselves for the process. In a word, Blosser said it’s all about your documentation, and the more you have, the smoother the process will go. Additionally, getting to know the government forms and what is required is the best way to prevent being denied on the first attempt.
“It takes time, and you might get denied on your first approach, but do not get discouraged,” Blosser said on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town.” “You need to go through the appeal processes with FEMA.”
Residents need to have pictures, receipts, and any other documentation of the damage. Residents will be asked for insurance information, social security
Many of the denials have been reversed through the appeal process, according to Blosser. Engage with the FEMA workers because in most cases they can help residents quickly solve the issues in order to qualify them for disaster assistance.
In addition to the state aid recently announced, residents can get federal assistance through FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Residents in the disaster area can get very low interest loans through the SBA even if they do not own or operate a business.
“We know folks lost cars to flash flooding, and they can give two percent interest rates on vehicles and things of that nature,” Blosser said. “Anyone who has been out buying a new car recently knows you’re not getting two percent interest on the regular market.”
As with other federal programs, you have to follow the step-by-step rules. Blosser said providing the correct contact information has resulted in denials for some residents. He said FEMA officials do call disaster victims, and if they can’t make contact, that could be a reason for denial. He said the FEMA workers will make three attempts to make contact before denying the application.
“They’ll need to make sure you have an accurate phone number, and I cannot stress that enough,” Blosser said. “People can get denied when they receive phone calls from FEMA if they don’t answer those phone calls.”
“Sometimes in these disasters these folks are located in spaces that are not the nicest of facilities,” Blosser said. “Every one of these, the pop-up location or the main location in the Public Safety Building, is air-conditioned in a comfortable setting.”