As homeowners look to rebuild after Helene, FEMA shares advice

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - With the cold temperatures and possible rain next week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has made it clear that they are staying here in the area to help out through January 7.

So far, FEMA says it has approved $239 million in housing and other types of assistance for Georgia households and $230 million for South Carolina homeowners.

As you look to rebuild, you can find representatives in some depots.

So, what is FEMA saying as people look to rebuild heading into the holidays?

FEMA says the last thing they want to see is what the damages representatives are still seeing on the ground.

They say a lot of damage can be preventable with steps towards mitigation paying off in the long run.

FEMA is on the ground in more ways than one, giving guidance for people building back their homes after Helene across impacted communities.

Richard Jones says he’s fortunate to not have too much damage to his home, but he knows others who can’t say the same.

“Big oak trees down in the house, shingles blown off the roof,” said Jones.

Homeowners like Steve Trickett say the storm forced his family out of his home, leaving him to essentially start over.

“I had eight trees on the house, two more trees, holding those trees down diagonally so they were pinned in place,” said Trickett.

Trickett says FEMA and insurance are helping through the process, but he says the biggest challenge is working through one project after another.

“That takes time. In some cases where I am right now, I’ve got a one-phase complete. I’ll be sitting here for several weeks waiting for that next supplement to get approved so we can start work once again,” he said.

FEMA suggests taking the time to rebuild the right way to mitigate damage from future tragedies.

“When they become vulnerable, they want to get into their homes as quick as possible, and they omit to ask their contractors to check their attics or their walls to determine whether or not the installation may have gotten damaged or contaminated,” said Troy Jackson, hazard mitigation community education outreach crew lead.

FEMA estimates for every dollar spent on mitigation, $6 is saved from future losses.

It’s a strategy Trickett says he’s going to make the most out of it.

“I’m looking at making sure I know what’s behind the walls, and I weatherproof all my HVAC system by putting the insulation wrap around it, so that if something were to happen again, maybe in a deep freeze, it’ll be protected,” he said.

FEMA recommends reinforcing your roofs by strapping them to structural beams, adding storm shutters to your windows and making sure to take time to review your insurance coverage to see what you’re protected by.

The FEMA center at the HUB in Richmond County is still open.

FEMA opened up a Disaster Recovery Center at the Columbia County Emergency Management Center recently.

They also opened a recovery center in Burke County at the public library and many others.

In Aiken, there is one at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and one in Bamberg at the county library.

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