Gov. Kemp requests ‘major disaster declaration’ from FEMA after tornadoes

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - On Monday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp submitted a request to FEMA for a ‘major disaster declaration’ for seven Georgia counties, according to Crystal Paulk-Buchanan, spokesperson for FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Paulk-Buchanan confirmed FEMA received that request from the Governor’s Office on Monday.

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The seven counties included in the request are Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding, and Troup Counties.

The request would apply to both local governments and citizens seeking relief from these seven counties.

Just because the governor has requested this designation does not guarantee that it will be approved.

RIGHT NOW: Inside the distribution center in Griffin helping hundreds of families impacted by last week’s EF-3 tornado.

Officials said 1500 homes were impacted in Griffin, plus another 900 in Spalding County.

Incredible to see a region come together to help those most in need! pic.twitter.com/jgTqrWw8vO
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) January 16, 2023

The FEMA spokesperson could not provide a timetable on when President Biden could rule on this request.

Two counties in Alabama were granted ‘major disaster declaration’ after straight-line winds and tornadoes happened in areas of Georgia on Jan. 12.

A 5-year-old in Butts County is the first confirmed death during the severe weather that impacted north Georgia. The victim was identified as Egan Jeffcoat.

While the National Weather Service is still surveying the damage, the agency has already confirmed that at least two separate tornadoes touched down in Butts County. County Manager Brad Johnson says the Jackson Lake area saw the most severe damage.

Homeowners and renters of Autauga and Dallas counties affected by the severe storms can apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

The spokesperson said that the governor requested federal assistance that included emergency work and support measures for local governments to help cover costs of overtime for field crews and additional debris clearance aid.

For individuals of these seven counties, the ‘major disaster declaration’ would allow homeowners and renters, who are not covered by insurance, to seek relief surrounding home repair and rental assistance.

Atlanta News First reached out to the Governor’s Office on Monday for confirmation of this request. A spokesperson has not responded.

For more on how FEMA designates ‘major disaster designations, click here.

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