How to report storm damage after Debby

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Following Tropical Storm Debby, many homeowners in the Coastal Empire may wonder where to start when applying for disaster relief.

The president has authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts for 55 counties, including Appling, Bacon, Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Montgomery, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs and Wayne counties.

However, before homeowners in these counties can apply for individual assistance, state and local officials have to conduct damage assessments.

You can help by promptly reporting damages to your home, business or other property to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), which coordinates with FEMA in relief efforts.

To do so, visit this Damage Assessment site and click on the “Report damage” button or simply scan the QR code provided. There, you can fill out a survey to report damages or losses.

Note, the survey isn’t a disaster relief application and it doesn’t guarantee assistance.

Once assessments are complete, FEMA will release further instructions online and may establish Joint Disaster Recovery Centers where individuals can register for assistance in person.

FEMA can approve assistance to qualified households for repairs or the replacement of essential goods and services like vehicles, essential appliances and child care.

Visit disasterassistance.gov for more information.