OAK HILL, WV (WOAY)- For those who have applied for assistance from FEMA, you may be getting a call from them. These calls are about scheduling inspections to make sure you’re getting all the assistance you’re entitled to.
Now these calls may be from an unknown number or even have no caller ID. If you see a call from an unknown number, one with a different area code, or with no caller ID, you’re encouraged to answer in case it is FEMA trying to reach you.
If you miss the call they will leave a message, so make sure your voicemail box is active and not full.
However, stay vigilant about fraud callers, only FEMA knows your 9-digit application number, and they can provide it to you for verification. FEMA will also never ask for money or your full social security number.
This is just one of the steps they are doing to get you the assistance you need to make your home livable again.
“FEMA isn’t going to to rebuild a home and make you totally whole again but it can get you on the road to recovery,” explained Nate Custer, FEMA Media Specialist. “It may be such that the home is not very difficult to make it livable again, and so the family can be under the roof. Then if there are additional repairs needed, the something comfort of being comforting about the the owner and his family being in their home instead of a way with friends or relatives.”
FEMA also has their disaster recovery centers so people can go and visit. They have locations in Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties. You’re encouraged to go visit if you’re in need of assistance. You can visit fema.gov/drc to find your closest center and their hours.
You can also apply online at disasterassistance.gov, through the FEMA app, or by calling thE FEMA help line at 800-621-3362. However, FEMA is just one of the many partners working to help those affected by the February storms.
“FEMA is not here, let’s say, to just run the show, if you will. We’re just we’re a partner,” said Custer. “We were asked to come into West Virginia by the governor because this flooding disaster last month was more than the local and state agencies could handle, but we work very closely with them. We also work with the nonprofit groups, some of these ad hoc groups that are kind of just formed to provide relief and supplies and all that.”