Federal and state disaster assistance officials arrived back in Tallahatchie County early this week to offer a variety of services to victims of January’s ice storm, and this time they will be staying longer.
As during an almost weeklong stay in mid-May, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration officials are operating at the Tallahatchie County Safe Room, 185 S. Market St. in Charleston — directly behind Bank of Commerce — where they invite visits by the public.
The disaster service center opened Tuesday (May 26) and, with the exception of Sundays, May 31 and June 7, will be available to conduct business daily through Wednesday, June 10. The center will be closed on Sundays.
Hours of operation are 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Other disaster service centers are open on the same schedule in Alcorn, Benton, Carroll, Coahoma, Lafayette, Leflore, Marshall, Montgomery, Panola, Pontotoc, Tishomingo and Yazoo counties.
The centers are open for residents who need to apply for federal assistance or who simply have questions. The centers provide in-person assistance with FEMA applications, document uploads, claim issues and disaster loan information.
It is not necessary to visit a disaster service center to apply with FEMA. Individuals can apply for assistance by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA app.
