FEMA Calls May Come from Unfamiliar Phone Numbers

ATLANTA.- After Georgians apply for disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Debby, with an incident period of Aug. 4-20, 2024, or for Hurricane Helene, FEMA may call you to schedule an inspection of the damaged home, or to obtain more information to process your application for assistance. People who only applied for assistance for one of the disasters may also receive a call to inform them that they can apply for assistance for both disasters.

These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. It is important to answer the call as FEMA specialists may be calling to obtain more information to process an application or to follow up on an incomplete application. Incoming FEMA calls may be to schedule an inspection to determine whether your home is safe, sanitary, functional and accessible. If an inspection cannot be scheduled, it may cause a delay in FEMA's review of the application.

The quickest way to apply for FEMA assistance is to go online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices, by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center or calling the FEMA Helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

If you applied for disaster assistance with FEMA for either disaster, or both, be sure to "stay in touch". If you changed your address or phone number - even if only temporarily - please update that information with FEMA. When updating your information, refer to the nine-digit registration number issued at registration. This number is on all correspondence applicants receive from FEMA and is a key to tracking assistance requests.

Missing or incorrect information could result in delays in receiving assistance. It's a good idea to provide a secondary contact phone number - both a cell phone and a landline number (if you have one).

For the latest information about Georgia's recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4821 and fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.