Elizabethton Residents Begin to Rebuild After Hurricane Helene
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. – The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left many Northeast Tennesseans grappling with the challenges of rebuilding their lives. With homes damaged or lost entirely, the journey to recovery begins with figuring out insurance claims and accessing FEMA disaster assistance. The good news is that local residents are stepping up to help each other through this process.
Community Support in Times of Need
One such community supporter is Ricky Walters, the agent and owner of the Horace Mann branch in Elizabethton. He decided to open his office as a resource for those seeking disaster relief funds. “We were lucky enough to have power and water restored here, but there are so many folks who are still in the dark,” Walters shared. “I wanted to do my part and help people file their FEMA claims.”
With a clear mission, Walters has helped numerous clients since Monday, filing anywhere from 50 to 100 claims from his office, as well as assisting about 15 members of the general public. He encourages applicants to gather their essential paperwork, including their social security card, proof of address, and direct deposit information before coming in.
Navigating the Insurance Maze
Part of the process involves dealing with insurance companies. “You’ll need to contact your insurance company and file a claim, but most homeowners’ policies don’t cover flood damage, so expect a denial,” Walters explained. This could lead to a frustrating cycle of proving that you don’t have flood insurance before FEMA can step in to offer support.
One resident, David Buck, is navigating this challenging situation. His family home on Cat Island was damaged, and while volunteers have helped clean up the mess, he waits anxiously for his insurance to respond to his claim. “They’re supposed to come Saturday, but I have a high deductible,” he said, expressing his uncertainty about the kind of support he might receive. Buck plans to reach out to FEMA once he learns what his insurance can cover.
FEMA Assistance Available
Walters also noted that even those who suffered losses like spoiled food due to power outages might be eligible for financial assistance to help them rebuild. “Filing a claim with FEMA, especially for emergency relief, is a chance you shouldn’t skip,” he advised. “And the best part? It won’t affect your insurance rates at all.” So, it’s worth looking into what you can claim.
Allen Pickel, a resident of Roan Mountain, shared that while his home is intact, his driveway bridge washed out in the storm. With assistance from Walters’ office, he has also applied for FEMA support, indicating how widespread the need for aid truly is in the community.
Awaiting Assessments
The process isn’t without its frustrations, however. “I wish they’d get back to us,” Pickel commented regarding the seemingly slow turnaround for damage assessments. He referred to an assurance from the local emergency management team that someone would assess the situation, but so far, he has not received any updates.
The clock is ticking, as the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is December 2nd, so residents are encouraged to take action. Since the hurricane, FEMA has already provided over $344 million in disaster assistance to more than 375,000 families. If you need information about how to file a claim, visiting disasterassistance.gov can be a good start.
Community Resilience
In times of upheaval, it’s heartening to see the community in Elizabethton coming together to help one another and navigate these complicated processes. Rebuilding is tough, but with the right resources, support, and determination, locals are moving forward—one step at a time.
