SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — Several federal disaster assistance centers have opened in Georgia counties hardest hit by a tornado outbreak earlier this month.
FEMA is now providing one-on-one assistance to people directly impacted by the Jan. 12 severe storms.
People who can't make it to the center can also apply for FEMA resources online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.
For needs directly related to the Jan. 12 onslaught of severe weather, FEMA may be able to provide individual assistance via grant money (that does not have to be paid back). Below are grant aids people can apply for:
- Rental assistance for those who needed to be relocated because of storm-related damage.
- Personal property that was damaged or destroyed during weather events.
- Lodging reimbursements for those who had to stay in a hotel temporarily.
- Basic home repairs for homeowners whose homes were damaged by the severe weather.
- Other serious needs caused by the recent storms.
FEMA said it will only accept one application per household and it does not pay for lost or spoiled food. Federal disaster officials said when one registers with FEMA the application may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a disaster home loan.
"There is no obligation to take the loan if offered," FEMA said. "Residents who are not approved may be referred back to FEMA for additional grant consideration."
Below are details about the different disaster assistance centers and where to find them.
FEMA disaster centers in Georgia
Spalding County
Opens Jan. 25.
Location: Spalding County Senior Center
885 Memorial Dr. Griffin, GA 30223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week
Henry County
Opens Jan. 27
Location: Locust Grove Recreation Center
10 Cleveland Street Locust Grove, GA 30248
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week
Butts County
Opens Jan. 27
Location: Daughtry Park Recreation Center
576 Earnest Biles Dr. Jackson, GA 30233
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week
People directly affected by the severe storms may visit the recovery center or apply with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.
Troup County
Opens Jan. 29
Location: William J. Griggs Community Center
716 Glenn Roberson Drive, LaGrange GA 30241
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week
Jasper County
Opens Jan. 31
Location: New Rocky Creek Baptist Church
190 Rocky Creek Road, Mansfield, GA 30055
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Saturday (closed Sundays)
Meriwether County
Opens Jan. 31
Location: West Georgia Technical College
17529 Roosevelt Highway, Greenville GA 30222
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week