The deadline to register with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration passed Monday, but officials are urging victims of the April 27 tornadoes who applied for funds to stay in touch.
A press release from FEMA asked that anyone who has changed contact information, settled an insurance claim or changed housing arrangements to call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 and give status updates. Phone lines are open each day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The release also urged storm victims who want to track the status of an SBA loan or have other questions to visit disaster loan outreach centers. The closest center for Limestone residents is located at Monrovia Church of Christ at 595 Nance Road in Madison.
As of Tuesday, 87,405 survivors in 43 disaster declared counties had registered with FEMA by Monday’s deadline. In Limestone County, 2,680 people registered and $1,639,268 had been disbursed to eligible registrants.
Statewide, more than $65 million has been approved for individual assistance with more than $64.7 million disbursed. More than $46.8 million has been approved for temporary housing and funds for basic home repairs with more than 46.6 million disbursed. More than $18.1 million has been granted for essential personal property and other serious disaster-related needs.
The SBA has issued 45,296 applications, but only 5,199 were returned. Of those, 1,283 applications have been approved, providing $72.7 million in low-interest loans. About 381 loan applications were pending as of Tuesday.
Additional needs
Community and faith-based volunteers are continuing to help Alabama survivors through Connect Alabama. Storm survivors can call 2-1-1 at any time or visit the website at http://211connectsalabama.org/ to get information and referrals.
Other storm victims may benefit by having a conversation with a counselor. The Alabama Department of Mental Health, FEMA and other agencies are providing a toll-free crisis counseling hotline and personnel to provide outreach and crisis counseling to storm victims.
Those with Alabama area codes may call 800-639-REBOUND (7326) at any time to speak with a counselor or to learn about other family resources. All calls are confidential.
Residents can also visit www.mh.alabama.gov to find free publications to help cope with stress.
Storm victims with disaster-related legal questions can receive help from a team of volunteer lawyers with the Alabama State Bar.
Residents can call 800-354-6154 Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. More information, including free publications about disaster-related legal problems, can be found at www.vlpbirmingham.org/disaster-legal-information.
Tornado Outbreak 2011
July 21, 2011
Storm victims asked to stay in touch
- Tornado Outbreak 2011
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Objects still being found a year after tornadoes
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'We lost everything:' With help, Harbins to get new home
The violent storm cut through the family’s property, taking everything from Bobby Harbin, his wife Barbara and their son Bobby Jr., and leaving the home in Treemont Subdivision a pile of rubble.
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Emergency officials urge 2012 readiness
- Green group: Tornado cleanup a bright spot for state
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Top Stories of 2011: Strange twists of April 27
Travel of debris in tornadoes is common but it is more unusual for items to be found long distances from the storm.
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Top Local News Stories of 2011: Tornadoes, immigration, snow
The tornado outbreak of April 27 was the biggest news even not only in Limestone County but also in Alabama.
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NWS: Tornado paths for 1974, 2011 match
Unlike the old wives’ tale about lightning, it seems tornadoes have no compunction about revisiting old haunts.
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Thankful to be alive: 'We will have bad memories the rest of our lives'
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Storms stir memories of April 27
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Six months later: 'God Saved 6' dad recounts afternoon of April 27 twister
- More Tornado Outbreak 2011 Headlines
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Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Officials: Texas Tornado Likely Had 200 Mph Wind
Brothers Arrested in NOLA Parade Shooting
Raw: School Bus Crash Injures Five Children
Quick Response Saved Baby on Phila. Train Tracks
One Million Evacuated As Cyclone Hits Bangladesh
