Although Hurricane Matthew has moved away from North Carolina, there is still significant danger from flooding and structural damage. Many bodies of water have not yet fully crested. Those living near rivers, streams, and low-lying areas can visit readync.org to see if they are at risk of additional flooding. Addtionally, drivers should not attempt to proceed along flooded roadways. When in doubt, seek a different route.

Yesterday, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of North Carolina, triggering the release of Federal funds to help individuals and communities recover from the storm. You can find out if you qualify for individual disaster relief by visiting disasterassistance.gov or calling 1-800-621-FEMA. The Small Business Administration also offers Hurricane Recovery Loans, and the Internal Revenue Service is offering tax relief. Additional information from FEMA is below and in this fact sheet addressing common questions about disaster relief.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MY FAYETTEVILLE OFFICE REMAINS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE CALL 919-859-5999 FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE.

North Carolina Residents Encouraged to Register for Federal Assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. – Disaster survivors inBeaufort, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Hoke, Lenoir, Nash, Pitt, and Robeson Countiesare encouraged to register for federal disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Individuals, including homeowners, renters, and business owners, in the above designated counties who suffered loss or damages due to Hurricane Matthew may register for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA mobile app,or by calling

 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), the number is also 1-800-621-3362.  For people using TTY, the number is 1-800-462-7585.

These toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice; operators are standing by to assist survivors in multiple languages.

The President declared a major disaster October 10, 2016 for the above North Carolina counties to assist individuals and households as they recover from the effects of Hurricane Matthew beginning October 4, 2016 and continuing.

Grant assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include funds to help with rent, temporary housing and home repairs to their primary residences, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as personal and necessary items, moving and storage expenses, transportation,  medical and dental expenses, or funeral and burial and reinternment costs caused by the disaster. Other relief programs include crisis counseling and legal assistance.

Survivors should also contact their insurance company to file an insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled. 

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

The latest updates on road closures can be found at ReadyNC.orgor by calling 5-1-1. Residents can also get real-time traffic and weather on the ReadyNC mobile app.  Follow us on Facebook at NCEmergencyManagement and Twitter @NCEmergency or @femaregion4.