FEMA helping to start recovery process

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Right now more than 40,000 people have registered for FEMA across North Carolina.

So far FEMA has been approved $21.9M for those applications. So for places like Lumberton, Fair Bluff, and Whiteville, applying now is the best thing you can do.

There are two main ways to get in touch with FEMA,  1-800-621-FEMA or visit their website. FEMA spokeswoman Rita Egan says this is the first step in many to getting your life back in order. She stresses “don’t delay and apply today.”

“It can be overwhelming so we encourage people that as they go through this process to periodically step back and take a break,” Egan said. “Because it is overwhelming, you’re losing your life’s work for everything that you wanted in life.”

People across Whiteville were out and about including shop owner Joseph Stanley who lost everything in the flood. But Stanley says he is counting his blessings as it could have been worse.

“For me personally I’d like to send out a thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the communities and all the surrounding communities I want you to say we got this, and FEMA we need your help,” Stanley said.

When applying for FEMA Egan warns people to be aware of impersonators. She says when a verifier comes to assess damage make sure they have an official badge. And if they ask for money it is a scam, FEMA never asks for money.