FEMA and EMA

[David Sechrest]

My brother called yesterday and said that FEMA had opened a temporary office in the Annex building on State Street (the old State Street School).

Upon arriving, FEMA was not located there, BUT they were giving out free tetanus shots. If you would like a shot, they will be more than happy to accommodate you.

We were told to go to the Bartholomew County Emergency Management building at 131 S. Cherry St., aprox. a block north of State Street.

Shannan Hinton is the Deputy Director and had us fill out a one page form detailing all pertinent information. She then instructed us to contact FEMA directly to register.

The FEMA number is 1-800-621-FEMA, or if you care to register online, it is www.fema.gov

Mom did speak with someone at FEMA and they advised they would come and visit the house within the next 3 to 7 days.

If you haven't visited the office on Cherry St., I would recommend you do so.

I saw on the news tonight that FEMA has opened an office inside Northside school...

I am sure that most of you have documented your damage through pictures and making lists of items that were lost in the water damage. I went one step further and took pictures of the trash we piled in front of the house.

Anything you can possibly do to document your case will only help in the long run.

[David Sechrest]

If you buy any replacement or "big ticket" items, or rent any type of equipment to help with your cleanup, either write on the contract or receipt FOR FLOOD DAMAGE, or something to that effect. Hopefully, FEMA will accept that.

We were contacted by FEMA this afternoon. They are coming to visit the house tomorrow.

[David Sechrest]

Well, FEMA stopped by on Sunday and went through the basement. Craig was the guy's name. He took measurements of how high the water got (he took two pictures), and went outside and marked off the dimensions of the house.
He said that we should hear something back from FEMA within 2 to 7 days.
I guess the itemized list of damaged items and the pictures of the water levels I took were of no consequence to him. Which, once my brain actually got to thinking, why would he want all of that stuff? He doesn't work for an insurance company. He works for the GOVERNMENT.
Anyway, I hope that those of you who had damage have registered with both FEMA and EMA. I would like to hear of your encounters with them.
I'll keep everyone posted.

I hope all are making it through...Babs, I hope you are ok...

[David Sechrest]

We received a letter from FEMA today. It contained a breakdown of what they would compensate us. They had already deposited the money too.
Talk about fast!!!