President Obama declared that the November wildfires in Sevier County was a major disaster in Tennessee, and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts.
The assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Sevier County.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
W. Michael Moore was named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in Sevier County.
FEMA said that damage surveys are continuing, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.
FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance Friday, Dec. 16, by registering online here.
They can also register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
