DeKalb offers flood advice

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Federal officials are setting up a disaster recovery center in DeKalb County for residents affected by last week's flood. Meanwhile, they along with state and local officials today gave advice and information to more than 100 residents who are dealing with the flood's aftermath.

WABE's Charles Edwards reports

When your house, business or property is flooded, it can often feel like an eternity passes before you get the help you need. Ken Davis understands the frustration. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency spokesman also lives in DeKalb County. But he says government officials and aid groups have responded quickly. He points to the disaster declaration ok'd by President Obama.

DAVIS: "The fact that even that approval came within 4 days is almost unprecedented. I've been in this business for 20 years and typically it's going to take a week sometimes several weeks to get a declaration like that."

Davis says the declaration means affected residents can ask the federal government for financial disaster aid. Officials urged residents to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. Another option is online at disasterassistance.gov.

2 days after applying, FEMA representative Mark Novel says home inspectors are dispatched.

NOVEL: "Once that home inspector comes out and takes a long and verifies the loss, that information goes through a process up to headquarters and within probably 1 to 2 days, you'll receive funds to help you start the recovery process."

The money can pay for things like home repairs. However, some residents have other needs.

Corliss Moore of Stone Mountain says a creek near her house is causing sanitary problems.

MOORE: "Were you all going to have someone from drainage or someone to assess the creeks to see if there's any debris? I'm sure there is because we have debris in our backyard that we know came from somewhere else."

DeKalb officials say they're responding and that the federal disaster center will be set up on Wednesday.

Charles Edwards, WABE News.