FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) representatives will begin recovery operations in Henry County on Thursday, September 26, 2024. A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will be located at Henry County OEM, 4424 US Highway 34, beginning late next week. The Disaster Recovery Center will be open seven days a week for face-to-face questions and applications for aid. However, residences and businesses damaged during the storms from July 13th to 16th may apply at any time online or by calling the FEMA toll-free telephone number. Henry County OEM said the exact date and hours of the Disaster Recovery Center will be announced next week, at the beginning of October, depending on the arrival of additional FEMA staff.
DSA teams visit communities designated as federal disaster areas to help homeowners and renters apply for FEMA assistance and quickly identify and address the immediate needs. They can also provide application status updates for those who applied online or over the phone. They can also offer referrals to additional community resources.
“DSA teams will never ask for or accept money and will always be wearing a FEMA identification badge with a photograph. A FEMA shirt, vest or jacket is not proof of identity. While helping someone apply, they will ask for personal information, including social security number, annual income, and bank information. Residents are encouraged to ask for identification before providing any personal information. They can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify a FEMA visit is legitimate.”
Homeowners and renters uninsured or underinsured for disaster-related losses from July 13th to 16th, 2024, storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding don’t have to wait for a DSA team to apply for assistance. To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app, or call 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.