Monday, September 28, 2009

Examiner.com | Atlanta flood update 2: Damages doubled, more counties declared disaster areas

Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine more than doubled his initial assessment of flood damages from $250 million to $500 million. Oxendine released this new figure on Saturday, and warned that the figure could continue to rise. He also said 20,000 homes, businesses and other structures suffered major damage in areas mainly north and west of the city.

Three more counties were added to the federal disaster declaration, making 17 Georgia counties eligible for federal disaster assistance. Residents in the following counties can apply for individual assistance for recovery efforts: Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker counties. Those who sustained losses in these counties may apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday. The federal declaration for public assistance also means that affected counties can apply to be part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant program, which provides assistance to state and local governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

With cleanup in full swing across Atlanta, flood victims faced fears of new flooding when the National Weather Service issued flash flood watches, followed by flash flood warnings. Braswell received 2.8” of rain and Lawrenceville 1.7, causing streams and creeks to rise, but not enough to threaten nearby neighborhoods. For flood victims trying to put their lives back together, today’s rain may have slowed their cleanup efforts, but the lack of additional flooding certainly eased their minds.

In other Atlanta flood news:

The FEMA/GEMA disaster recovery centers in Austell, Lithia Springs and Woodstock remained busy with a steady stream of flood victims applying for federal assistance. Computer stations have been setup, enabling flood victims to apply on-line for FEMA assistance. More centers may open on Sunday or Monday.

What happens after you apply with FEMA?
FEMA will mail you a copy of your application and a guide titled, “Help After a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program.” An inspector will contact you to set-up an inspection. Inspectors are contractors, not FEMA employees, but will have FEMA ID’s. There is no fee for the inspection. You must be present for your scheduled appointment and provide proof of ownership and occupancy to the inspector. If you cannot be present, you may designate someone over the age of 18 to meet the inspector on your behalf. If you qualify for a grant, FEMA will send you a check by mail or deposit it in your bank account, plus a letter describing how you are to use the money. If you do not qualify for a grant, you will receive a letter of explanation, along with information about appeal rights.

Important phone numbers and where to turn for help:
FEMA: 1-800-621-3362 or www.fema.gov
John Oxendine Insurance Commissioner: (404) 656-2070 or toll-free 1-800-656-2298
The Red Cross: 1-866-724-3577
Local offices of Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA):

  • Clayton County: 770-478-8271 or 404-608-2383 if in Forest Park.
  • Cobb County: 770-499-4567 or 770-319-2511 if in Smyrna.
  • Coweta County: 770-254-2650
  • DeKalb County: 404-294-2000.
  • Douglas County: 770-949-3007.
  • Fayette County: 770-305-5414 or 404-472-7019.
  • Forsyth County: 770-205-5674.
  • Fulton County: 404.730.5600.
  • Gwinnett County: 770-513-5060.
  • Henry County: 770-957-9121
  • Rockdale County: 770-278-8119?

Six Flags Over Georgia opened today after days after round the clock cleanup. A park spokesperson confirmed that there was no remaining standing water in the park.

Atlanta will finally get a break from the rain this week. Forecasters are calling for cooler temperatures with highs in the mid-seventies and lows in the fifties, plus clear skies for the next seven days. Winds may increase on Monday night into Tuesday, causing concern about falling trees.

The Salvation Army and Red Cross are in areas most severely affected by the flood, providing food, water and cleaning supplies.

A sinkhole in Gwinnett County swallowed a car on Saturday. The driver escaped without injury.

Of the 10 people who died in the flood, seven were killed by drowning when their cars were swept away by rising floodwaters. Ages ranged from 26-50. Two-year-old Preston Slade Crawford drowned after being swept from his father’s arms when a surging creek ripped apart the family’s mobile home early Monday. Nelson Osley, 14, drowned in the rain-swollen Chattoga River. James Dale Leigh, 22, of Sand Valley drowned when a pond’s rain-soaked bank collapsed beneath him.

Samaritan's Purse, run by Billy Graham’s son, arrived from North Carolina with two disaster relief tractor trailers to help needy victims in Cobb and Paulding counties. Their command post is set up at West Ridge Church on Hiram-Acworth Highway just north of Highway 120. "We want to share love," said Samaritan's Purse disaster relief manager John Pryor, The organization brought a small army of local church volunteers to provide debris removal, food, water, clothing and other items. Their priority is reaching the poor, elderly, disabled and uninsured over the next three weeks.

Go to WSB-TV’s website to view the latest Atlanta flood pictures from viewers.

A personal note: Thank you for continuing to follow my updates about the Atlanta flood that experts are now referring to as “epic.” Many residents were unaffected by it (thank goodness), but for thousands of other families, it has changed their lives forever. Personally, I was almost caught in rising floodwaters, and was amazed how quickly they could rise. I am also dealing with the aftermath of the Atlanta flood, including a natural gas explosion, the dangers of mold and mildew, and the psychological effects of such a disaster. My thoughts and prayers remain with families who have lost everything and must now face the overwhelming task of putting their lives back together. I will continue to follow this disaster, and provide any new information as it comes along.

Sources: WSB TV, WXIA, AJC, FEMA.org. Photo credits: Jackie Kass.

More articles about the Atlanta flood by Jackie Kass:

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