MARION, SC (WBTW) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved 15 counties across the state for FEMA Individual Assistance Monday.
Marion County and Orangeburg were two counties in South Carolina first eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance.
While the water recedes in parts of Marion County some families got a first look inside of what used to be their home Monday afternoon.
“I never experienced anything like this before,” said Marion County resident Temple Hemingway.
Hemingway lost everything inside her home after Hurricane Matthew.
She says the water was so high you could only see the rooftop of her home from US Highway 76.
“To see my furniture move, my refrigerator laid over, everything destroyed I didn’t think it was this bad at all,” explained Hemingway.
Hemingway walked us inside her home Monday to show us where these things once were. Her living room is in shambles and you can’t get into her grandson’s bedroom because of the flooding.
As many people were forced out of their homes because of the high water, the grant assistance gives some people a little bit of relief knowing they can get some help to rebuild.
“You will be able to use that for several things like temporary housing, essential property losses to repair damages that you may have had. If you had any medical or dental expenses due to the storm or possible even funeral or burial expenses or if you have a car that may be damaged you can use it for all those types of things,” mentioned FEMA Representative Renee Baiflis.
Without flood insurance, many people like Hemingway are counting on help through the FEMA Individual Assistance program.
Disaster survivor assistance specialists will soon be helping people who don’t have access to a phone or internet.
FEMA representative Renne Baiflis says crews plan to have stations spread out in counties impacted by Hurricane Matthew this week.
The following counties are now eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance include:
Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, Lee, Sumter, Williamsburg
People impacted by Hurricane Matthew are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible.
If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register online at DisasterAssistance.gov
You can also call 800-621-3362 (FEMA).
Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362.
People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.http://wbtw.com/2016/10/17/17-south-carolina-counties-approved-for-individual-fema-assistance/