The window to apply for federal disaster assistance for the tornadoes on March 31 and April 1 is closing soon. The deadline is Tuesday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports it has thus far handed out $8.5 million in aid across 10 counties, including hard-hit Cannon and Rutherford.
A large share of the relief has been in the form of low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. And there have been nearly 700 recipients of FEMA grants.
These funds can help with housing, and challenges not covered by insurance — including losses related to medical needs and transportation. Renters can also get help with destroyed items.
Survivors have been tapping into the relief at a faster rate than a similar tornado outbreak in December 2021. That storm system released more tornadoes, but this most recent disaster has seen about three times as many survivors getting help.
The storm — and its 12 tornadoes — is blamed for damage to 500 structures and thousands of trees.
Those still wanting to apply for FEMA aid should go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Locally, those needing other types of help can dial 211 to reach the United Way.
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