By: Brendan Losinski | Metro | Published February 19, 2024
METRO DETROIT — Disaster Survivor Assistance crews from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are going door-to-door in central and southeast Michigan helping residents affected by the August 24 -26 tornadoes, severe storms and flooding navigate the federal assistance process.
Crews will be starting in hard-hit areas of Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties, with plans to move to other impacted communities in the weeks ahead.
These crews will be visiting homes, businesses and nonprofit organizations in affected areas to help residents register for assistance, identify, and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state, and voluntary agencies for additional support.
DSA crew members will never ask for or accept money and will always be wearing a FEMA identification badge with a photograph. They stressed that a FEMA shirt, vest or jacket is not proof of identity. While helping someone register, they will ask for personal information, including social security number, annual income and bank information. Residents are encouraged to ask for identification before providing any personal information. They can also call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362 to verify a FEMA visit is legitimate.
Michigan residents in declared counties don’t have to wait for a DSA crew to apply for assistance. To apply, they can download the FEMA Mobile app, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362. For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.