Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) said today she is pleased that Governor Haslam has requested aid for the February 29 – March 2 tornadoes, straight line winds and severe storms that ravaged 10 counties, including DeKalb County which she represents. The request also specifically asks for Individual Assistance, including the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Small Business Administration Disaster Recovery Loans and Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for Bradley, Claiborne, Cumberland, DeKalb, Hamilton, Jackson, McMinn, Monroe, Overton and Polk Counties.
“DeKalb was one of the worst areas hit,” said Senator Beavers. “A declaration would help those who suffered damage recover from these storms.”
Beavers said Governor Haslam requested President Obama declare a disaster under Tennessee’s Emergency Management Plan in accordance with the Stafford Act. Preliminary assessments indicated the most severe impacts were to individuals, households and businesses. The disaster caused the sheltering of more than 350 families, as well as 2 deaths in Cumberland County, 1 death in Dekalb County, 33 patients seen in local Emergency Rooms in three counties and over $18 million dollars in damage to homes. Business damages have also caused numerous workers to suffer the loss of their jobs.
Total expenditures statewide are expected to exceed $36.1 million.
“Those who suffered damages need this assistance to help them get back on their feet,” she concluded.
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