From Commissioner Kathie Gannon:
Sep 28, 2009
DeKalb County has been declared, by President Obama, a Federal Disaster Area for personal recovery assistance due to the recent flooding and rain storms. This was an unprecedented Type 1 Disaster so a special Thank You to all of the emergency responding agencies. The recovery will be a long process requiring many partnerships.
If you are a homeowner, renter or business that has been affected by the flood, first and foremost you must apply for aid for personal damage. Register for FEMA assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or registering on online at www.disasterassistance.gov. No assistance can start until you have applied with FEMA. Once you have applied an inspection to verify the damage will be made and then financial assistance will be determined. As of this date 9/28/09, 7,000 people have been helped and $2.4 million dollars has already been given to assist flood victims. Do not wait for the Disaster Recovery Center to open apply for assistance now.
FEMA can assist with temporary housing, emergency repairs, replacement of essential household items, transportation and other types of aid. This site also has clean up tips.
DEMA, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center on Wednesday, the location is still being determined.
Please check the County website www.yourdekalb.com for the location and to contact all County Departments.
The following numbers can also assist in providing support or answering questions.
Red Cross – 404-870-4440
United Way and Salvation Army - 211
Governors Office of Consumer Affairs – 404-651-8600
The Office of Consumer Affairs wants people to know the price gouging policy is in effect, if you have concerns please call their office. They are also warning people of charity scams- please only donate to charities you know. If you have lost any paper work, like credit card or mortgage statements, please call the companies directly.
Greater Atlanta Home Builders – 678-775-1424
Please call if you have any concerns about contractors or builders price gouging.
Go to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders website www.atlantahomebuilders.com for referrals to Georgia licensed contractors. Be sure to ask for a copy of the contractor’s State of Georgia Contractors license not a Georgia Business license. Contactors from other states are already calling and getting temporary business licenses. Always get recommendations from neighbors, friends or the Homebuilders Association. Obtain 3 quotes and pay as the repairs are done, not upfront.
National Flood Insurance Program inquires – 678-808-8983
Moving forward it is advisable to contact the program to find out how to obtain flood insurance even if your home is not located in a flood plain.
DeKalb County Cooperative Extension – 404-298-4080
If you have questions related to wells, septic tanks, and mold after a flood.
DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) – 678-406-7850
For general concerns regarding emergency management assistance, this number will be active until the Disaster Recovery Center has opened on Wednesday.
Roads and Drainage – 404-297-3840
Please call for concerns regarding street or yard flooding. You may also contact my office for a Request for Assistance form.
Watershed Management – 770-270-6243
Please call for concerns regarding sewers or water lines.
Sanitation - 404-294-2900
Please continue to follow all garbage collection procedures. Separate all garbage into 3 piles, regular home trash, trees and limbs, and home debris.
Code Red – Please register for this new emergency contact system on the DeKalb County Website. Also provide an alternate number other than your home because in an emergency you may not have access to your land line. This is a secure line and your information will not be shared with anyone.
If Code Red calls the caller ID is 866-419-5000, if you miss the call, you can call the number and the last emergency message will play. This new system will be used to send critical communications to DeKalb County residents from evacuation notices to missing child alerts.
Please continue to check my website, www.kathiegannon.com and the DeKalb County website www.yourdekalb.com for current information regarding assistance and the location of the Disaster Recovery Center.
