FEMA Provides Disaster Assistance at The Ridge in Laurens Today and Tomorrow

The FEMA Disaster Assistance Station is open today, Tuesday, October 8, and will return on Wednesday, October 9, at The Ridge, located at 301 Exchange Rd, Laurens, to offer support to residents affected by recent disasters. Brenda Stewart, Publisher of The Laurens County Buzz, visited the station on Monday morning to observe the assistance efforts.

The FEMA team, consisting of 4-6 employees stationed at tables, is available to answer questions and help those having difficulty filing their disaster relief applications. One FEMA employee was seen kindly assisting an elderly man through the process, providing valuable information to ensure the application was completed properly.

FEMA representatives will be onsite today until 4 p.m. (or possibly until 5 p.m. with permission to extend) and again tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9. Information about additional days of assistance is currently unavailable, but The Buzzhas requested updates from FEMA should more dates be added. The onsite manager is not the person with that information.

Important Information for Filing FEMA Applications: Residents seeking assistance should bring the following details:

• Address, including zip code
• Condition of the damaged home
• Insurance information, if applicable
• Social Security number
• Phone number for contact
• Mailing address or email for electronic notifications

Direct Deposit Option:
FEMA offers the option to have disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank account at no additional charge. Be sure to bring your bank account type, account number, and routing number for this option.

4 Ways to Apply:

1. Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
2. Mobile: Via the FEMA app
3. Call: (800) 621-3362 | 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS)
4. In Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (fema.gov/drc)

After applying, applicants will receive a FEMA registration number, which should be kept for future reference.

FEMA’s assistance is available to all residents, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. The Ridge at 301 Exchange Rd is one of the local Disaster Recovery Centers working to ensure the community receives timely help during this challenging time.

For more information, visit fema.gov/drc.