MY VISIT TO FEMA

 On my lunch break Thursday I went by the FEMA station.  It's located at the HCC building as you turn into the Industrial Park, located just downhill from Shoney's and Junaluska Vet office.  Their hours are 8am-7pm daily, 7 days a week. Click HERE to go the site if you want to read more.

You go in to an initial table to give the basic information.  I told them we have an endangered road that if it gives way will trap those of us above 661 Apple Creek Road without a way out.

They'll send you to another table where someone enters your information and gives you a piece of paper with a number on it, and they will direct you to the chairs where you will wait to be called.  

The FEMA tables and agents are all along the walls, and when called, you'll go to that table and start a long list of questions, descriptions, etc.

The key is to tell them that this issue is at 661 Apple Creek Road.  If you had additional impacts on up where our mudslides were, you can add that information.

Apparently the rules have changed just in the past week.  At first, Apple Creek could only file for a SBA loan, but they have opened that up to residents being able to  file and the money go to the HOA (I hope I understood that correctly).  

This process is only the beginning, as you will be instructed to gather some forms, bills, statements and email/scan them to a FEMA address for further continuation of the application.  That's where I am at the moment.

They will mention that an inspector will need to visit the site and that a phone call will come from one at some time and that it may come across as an unknown number...but to answer all such calls to make sure it's an inspector.  [Personally, I'll find that difficult as I am fast approaching 65 and am already swamped with everybody and their brother, sister, cat, and dog trying to sell me plans.  Plus, I can't answer calls at work, so I'll try and keep my message box cleared].

The key to all of this is for EACH LOT/HOMEOWNER TO GO THE FEMA STATION AND FILE.  The more money we can funnel to the HOA lessens the potential assessment that might be made on all lot owners to help shoulder the clean-up bill from our damages in our HOA.

Bob