Moss Point tornando aftermath (Image from drone footage captured by Chris Grace on June 20, 2023)
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are going door-to-door in neighborhoods throughout Jackson and Jasper Counties to help residents who want to apply for federal assistance.
According to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams and FEMA-contracted home inspectors will be working in storm-affected neighborhoods in Jackson and Jasper Counties following the major disaster declaration for the June 14-19 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.
On Thursday, MEMA said FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are going door-to-door in neighborhoods throughout Jackson and Jasper Counties to help residents who want to apply for federal assistance.
Using mobile technology, DSA personnel can help applicants complete their disaster assistance applications or update an existing FEMA application. They also can answer questions about federal assistance.
MEMA notes that DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. If a badge is not visible, ask them to show it to you. They will not ask for money.
MEMA says it is not necessary to wait for a DSA visit to apply. Those impacted can go online here or call 1-800-621-3362, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
MEMA also noted that FEMA-contracted home inspectors also will be in neighborhoods, but they will call applicants first to schedule a home inspection. FEMA inspectors do not wear FEMA attire, but they will have an official “FEMA Contractor” photo ID. If a badge is not visible, ask the inspector to show it to you. FEMA inspectors will have your nine-digit FEMA registration number. They never ask for money. They will not ask for bank account information or a Social Security number.
Other disaster recovery personnel, including representatives for insurance companies or other government agencies, may be in your neighborhood. They are not associated with your application for FEMA disaster assistance. If you have questions whether someone is representing FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Frank Corder
