Disaster Recovery Center to open at Westgate Branch Library Aug. 13–17 to help Ann Arbor residents with tornado losses
Ann Arbor residents and business owners who experienced losses from the April 15 tornado can soon receive in-person help applying for federal disaster assistance.
A temporary Disaster Recovery Center will be open at the Ann Arbor District Library Westgate Branch Thursday, Aug. 13, through Monday, Aug. 17, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The branch is located at 2503 Jackson Ave.
Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to help eligible residents and business owners apply for assistance, upload documents, check the status of an application and receive answers to their questions.
The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is Aug. 31
The State of Michigan has already reported more than 35 requests for FEMA Individual Assistance from Ann Arbor. People affected by the tornado can continue to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance through Monday, Aug. 31.
Residents do not need to visit the Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. More information about Individual Assistance is available at FEMA.gov.
Applicants should be prepared to provide the following information:
- Proof of identification
- Social Security number
- Annual household income
- Current contact information, including address, phone number and email address
- Bank account information
- Insurance information
Residents who have already applied for Individual Assistance may visit the Disaster Recovery Center for help with their application, including submitting documentation or understanding correspondence from FEMA.
Small Business Administration loans may be available
Low-interest disaster loans may be available through the SBA to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations. Applicants do not need to own a business to qualify for certain SBA disaster loans. Additional information is available at the Disaster Recovery Center, by calling the SBA at 800-659-2955 or by visiting lending.sba.gov.
Ann Arbor moves into long-term recovery mode
The April 15 EF-1 tornado caused widespread damage in Ann Arbor, particularly in neighborhoods west and south of downtown. No injuries were reported. The city has completed its emergency response and short-term recovery work and continues to support residents as the community moves into long-term recovery.
On July 2, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that it was making federal disaster assistance available for Ann Arbor residents in connection with the April 15 tornado. This declaration flowed from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s declaration of a state of emergency for Ann Arbor and other Michigan communities impacted this spring by severe weather, including flooding.
How Ann Arborites should prepare for severe weather
The City of Ann Arbor encourages community members to take steps now to prepare for future emergencies. While it is not possible to know when the next major weather-related incident may occur, residents can reduce risk and improve safety by being weather-ready.
Community members are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts, especially when planning to spend time outdoors. Residents should also know the different ways they can receive emergency alerts by visiting a2gov.org/alerts.
All alerts should be taken seriously. When a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately in a safe location.
Residents are also encouraged to develop a family or household emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit. Guidance is available at ready.gov. Plans and kits should be tailored to meet individual household needs, including access to important medical devices, medications and supplies for pets.
Finally, residents are encouraged to get to know their neighbors and talk about how they may be able to support one another during an emergency.
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Media Contact:
Steve Kilar, Communications Director, skilar@a2gov.org