FEMA opens new disaster recovery centers in the CSRA

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WJBF) – FEMA has opened up new disaster recovery centers in the CSRA.

A FEMA spokesperson told NewsChannel 6 the goal is to open a DRC in every county affected by the hurricane, and a new center at the Nancy Carson Library in Aiken County brings the total up to four located in the CSRA.

The other centers are in Barnwell, Richmond, and Washington Counties – and the plan is to add more.

“If you suffered damage to your primary residence in South Carolina and Georgia and you live in one of those eligible counties in South Carolina and Georgia, you may be eligible for disaster assistance, so come out and get in touch with FEMA,” said Nikki Gaskins-Campbell, a FEMA Media Relations Specialist.

Monday in North Augusta, FEMA staff was walking people through the disaster assistance process.

“This is where people can come out, meet with a FEMA representative face-to-face, apply for disaster assistance, ask all the questions they want, get an update status on their application,” said Gaskins-Campbell. “And in addition, we also have other partners here including the Small Business Administration and they’re a huge partner in the recovery process.”

Staff and applicants told us it’s easier and faster than calling the FEMA hotline or filling out the application online – even if there may still be a wait.

Jennifer Mealing waited almost 2 hours to be seen.

“I’m a very patient person. Not everybody’s as patient as me,” Mealing said. “So I’ve jumped some hoops and did some flips and I’m still in the same situation – it’s wait another week. But, they’re very nice and very helpful and I think everybody’s stuff is more individual.”

Jeanette Jamison was in and out in 20 minutes.

“It was really good, it was very informative and it didn’t take long, the lines kept moving which was a plus,” Jamison said. “The fact that they’re here and some people don’t even know where to go to start getting help is a plus in this area.”

Gaskins said that, so far, FEMA has approved more than $111.2 million for Georgia households, and more than $126.3 million for South Carolina households.

“And we will be here as long as the state of South Carolina and as long as the state of Georgia needs us,” she said.

The location at the Nancy Carson Library is open through October 17th from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is needed, and you can find a list of other disaster recovery centers here.

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