Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were seen throughout the county last Friday, June 20, handing out fliers and also meeting with Ripley County Emergency Management Agency’s director Wayne Peace.

According to Peace, Ripley County has been added to the president’s declaration of a disaster area following the severe storms that swept through the area this month. The total number of counties in the state now stands at 37.

Peace knows there are a lot of people in this county that have been affected in some way, either by severe storms, tornadoes or flooding since May 30, and says they could be eligible for state and federal disaster assistance. To receive assistance under the Presidential Disaster Declaration you can apply online at www.fema.gov or call this toll-free application number 1-800-621-3362. Before applying it is helpful to have the following information ready:

• Your legal name. (Do not use a nickname or abbreviation).

• Your current phone number and your social security number.

• A list of damages and losses you suffered.

• The name of your insurance company and your policy number.

• Bank account coding if you want to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.

Applications can be obtained at the above websiste or the state’s emergency assistance web site at www.emergency.in.gov.

Peace noted that there will be a local meeting with FEMA officials for those who have questions about their claims. That meeting will be announced at a later time. He said the local EMA has been working closely with Homeland Security and FEMA officials trying to get help for Ripley County residents and government agencies affected. Ripley County was also declared a disaster area by the commissioners earlier in the month, according to Peace.

There are a variety of ways residents can receive assistance. They could qualify for grants for temporary housing and home repairs. Perhaps a low-cost loan to cover uninsured property losses, are some of the assistance offered to those who qualify. Peace encourages anyone who has sustained any damage following the storms from the first week of June, to call to see if they qualify for assistance. “We don’t want to leave anyone out,” he told the Osgood Journal.

Areas that have been hit with massive amount of rain in short periods of time had flooding issues. After a flood, mold is another issue that has to be dealt with. Things that were wet for two days or more need to be taken outside. They have mold growing on them even if you can’t see it. You can use bleach to clean mold off hard surfaces such as floors, stoves, flatware, plates, and more. Of course, there are rules to follow when cleaning with solution such as bleach, including: never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, wear rubber boots, gloves, goggles, etc., open windows and doors to get fresh air, and mix no more than one cup of bleach in a gallon of water.