Davidson, Putnam and Wilson County tornado victims can now Register for FEMA

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Governor Bill Lee announced Thursday afternoon that tornado victims in Davidson, Wilson, and Putnam counties will receive federal aid through an expedited Major Disaster Declaration.

“Local, state, and federal emergency officials and responders have worked tirelessly in a coordinated manner provide help and relief to our counties and communities,” Gov. Lee said. “The myriad stories of Tennesseans who experienced this tragedy have been inspiring and heartbreaking, and my hope is some healing can now begin and we can be on our way to rebuilding our lives and communities.

Through the Major Disaster Declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide both its Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) programs in three declared counties; Davidson, Putnam, and Wilson.

Individuals in the declared counties who may be eligible for FEMA’s IA program can begin the application process at www.disasterassistance.gov [disasterassistance.gov]. FEMA also provides a Disaster Assistance Helpline, 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585, to help individuals with questions about the application process, including how to apply.

FEMA’s PA program will provide reimbursement assistance to Davidson, Putnam, and Wilson county governments for costs associated with the severe weather response and cleanup.

More counties may be added to the federal declaration, according to Patrick Sheehan, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).

“Joint preliminary damage assessments are ongoing with FEMA,” Sheehan said, “Our goal is to work to have Benton, Carroll, and Gibson counties added to today’s Major Disaster Declaration, and to expand the availability of PA reimbursement assistance to include repairs to bridges, roads, and infrastructure in all six counties requested.”

Multiple tornadoes hit Tennessee during the March tornado outbreak, killing a total of 25 people.