Residents in Marion and Orangeburg counties who were impacted by Hurricane Matthew are now eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance program.
Survivors who sustained losses in these two designated counties can apply for federal assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.
Assistance can include money for temporary rental assistance and essential home repairs for primary homes, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help survivors recover from the effects of the disaster.
Disaster assistance applicants who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 7 AM to 10 PM seven days a week until further notice.
SCEMD and county emergency managers are still conducting preliminary damage assessments in other storm-impacted counties in order to gather the necessary documentation to apply for additional federal assistance to help families and communities recover from the storm. Meanwhile, rescue crews continue to search for survivors, and utility crews work to restore power, clear debris and open roadways.
Anyone with unmet needs such as food, clothing and shelter should call 2-1-1 to be connected with local relief supplies. Residents with damage from Hurricane Matthew can call 1-800-451-1954 to request volunteers from Helping Hands to with assist debris and mold cleanup. Visit scemd.org for the latest on South Carolina’s Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts.