Flood Recovery and Repair

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The weather has been great and recovery efforts are in full swing. Many folks have been asking about the recovery and repair process. See below for some useful information and resources for those affected by the recent storm and flood.

• FEMA: If you have not already done so you must file a claim with FEMA to be eligible for any kind of disaster related assistance. Assistance is available for most things disaster related including property damage, missed work, and temporary housing costs. File a claim online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
• SBA: The US Small Business Administration offers low interest loans for disaster assistance. Loans can be made for damaged homes up to $200,000, up to $40,000 for cars, and up to $2,000,000 for small business owners. These loans can be used as a temporary measure if you are waiting on insurance money. Call 1-800-659-2955 to speak to SBA about a low interest disaster relief loan.
• Debris Removal/Trash Pickup: The City of Columbia and SCDOT are handling the majority of the debris removal and trash pickup in this area. If you live in the City of Columbia the City will be handling the trash pickup. If you live in unincorporated Richland County, Arcadia Lakes, or Forest Acres, SCDOT will be handling the trash/debris pickup. They will be doing several rounds over the course of the next few weeks. BE SURE TO SEPARATE YOUR TRASH INTO SPECIFIC PILES ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS INDICATED IN THE GRAPHIC BELOW.

• SC Department of Insurance: If you have any questions pertaining to your insurance policy and what may or may not be covered you can contact the SC Department of Insurance at 1-800-768-3467. Because of Obama's disaster declaration there is a mandatory 30 day grace period on insurance policies and no policy cancelling can take during this time. Also, the storm and subsequent flooding WAS NOT a 'named storm event' so the larger deductible rule on most insurance policies does not apply.
• SC Employment and Workforce: The Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program (DUA) is a federal program that provides temporary weekly assistance to individuals, including small business owners and the self-employed, whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster. To find out more or to file a claim visit mybenefits.dew.sc.gov or call 1-866-831-1724.
• Richland County: Richland County treasurer David Adams has announced that Richland County will delay property tax bills by 30 days.

Check out our Gills Creek Flood website for more resources and information. You can also follow us on Facebook for more up to the minute news, articles, and resources. 

If you would like to sign up for this mailing list email Erich Miarka. We will continue to send out pertinent information about the condition of Gills Creek Watershed and the recovery effort. You can also become a member of the Gills Creek Watershed Association online.