Jackson Free Press

While Jackson residents may have received denial letters from FEMA in the weeks following the April 4 tornadoes and storms, they may still be able to get aid. Some residents were denied aid by FEMA because they were already insured.

"By law, we cannot duplicate what insurance already covers or pay for deductibles," said Michael L. Parker, FEMA's federal coordinating officer in a statement. "But in some cases, if insurance did not cover all your losses, we may be able to help.

Residents who need help making ends meet can visit the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center at Willie Morris Library on Old Canton Road to discuss insurance claims and advice after getting their insurance settlement papers.

FEMA will cover hotel costs while homes are uninhabitable or inaccessible if insured victims' policies do not cover temporary living. Other items such as septic tanks and wells, not usually covered by insurance companies, may be covered by FEMA.

MEMA director Mike Womack believes that they should try to talk with FEMA workers about help. "Even if you have insurance coverage, don't wait for a settlement before registering with FEMA," he said. "If you wait for your insurer to act, it may be too late to register for federal assistance. The filing deadline is July 27."

To begin registering for disaster assistance, residents can call FEMA's disaster assistance center. After receiving a denial letter and settlement from insurance, call FEMA back with the case number and updated information.

FEMA's disaster assistance center can be reached at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired. For more information, visit fema.org or msema.org.