FEMA Officials Discuss Biggest Recovery Misconceptions - WHLT 22 Connecting the Pine Belt

FEMA Officials Discuss Biggest Recovery Misconceptions

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HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Victims of the Feb. 10 tornado can still file claims through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA official, Robert Hoffman said there are dozens of misconceptions that people have about disaster relief. The biggest problem is that tornado victims automatically rule themselves out.

"Whether you're rich or poor or in between, if you're eligible for a FEMA grant, you'll get it," he said.

Hoffman said a lot of people don't understand the process and they throw away application packets from the Small Business Association.

"FEMA and MEMA need that information in order to provide you if you qualify for further assistance," he said. "You should fill that application out regardless of if you want to take out a loan or not."

A storm victim could get up to $32,000 from a FEMA grant, and if he or she is denied, that doesn't disqualify an applicant from receiving other aid.

"You can qualify for an SBA loan and it has nothing to do with whether or not you qualify for a FEMA grant," said Hoffman.

He said don't think that SBA only helps businesses. Homeowners can get up to $200,000 at a low interest rate.

"We urge anyone who has not registered who feels they might be eligible for FEMA assistance to register right away," he said.

The Lamar Park Disaster Relief Center will close this Friday at 6 p.m. The Ben McNair Center will remain open until further notice.

 

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