DISASTER ASSISTANCE

TEMA's Disaster Assistance Office coordinates the state's recovery from major disasters.  This process includes three major components: Public Assistance Public assistance functions are those that help government and certain not-for-profit organizations repair and restore damaged infrastructure and other public services back to their pre-disaster state.  This includes the repair/restoration of bridges, public buildings, community centers, etc. The following links can provide information on a new pilot program for public assistance: PA-Pilot Program Outreach Presentation; PA-Pilot Program Guidance

Individual Assistance

Individual Assistance programs help families recover from the effects of disaster.  A wide variety of aid is available through these programs, covering everything from direct financial assistance to mental health counseling.  In Tennessee, these programs are coordinated through TEMA.

Disaster recovery assistance may be available to small businesses from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to agricultural operations that have experienced disaster-related losses.

Community Relations

During disaster operations, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has  developed a plan to deploy a well-organized team of  community relation specialists in order to inform citizens and local leaders of our state about response and recovery programs, informing them how to apply for or obtain disaster-relief services, and to promote realistic expectations.  Through the Emergency Services Program (ESC), community relations field workers from the Tennessee Department of Children Services are charged with the responsibility of collecting information about the disaster-stricken area and the affected population in order to help the State-Federal emergency response team provide better services to the affected communities.  For example, Community Relations teams will coordinate with local leaders to determine if there are any concentrations or isolated pockets of damage, and refer specific problems or questions to the disaster field office staff.  In general, the Community Relations effort gives visibility to and helps instill public confidence in the combined relief efforts of the State and Federal governments and of voluntary organizations.