FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams to begin door-to-door visits with City of Columbia and Richland County residents

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams will begin door-to-door visits with City of Columbia and Richland County residents Thursday, Oct. 31 in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

DSA personnel will be visiting the hardest hit areas to help register residents for individual federal assistance and assist with case status updates and inquiries, as well as referrals for federal relief.

In the days following Hurricane Helene, Richland County was among several counties in the state deemed eligible for FEMA’s Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration. Storm damage assessments in the County revealed 257 residences weathered loss, ranging in condition from destroyed to inaccessible.

In preparation for DSA teams’ arrival, residents should have the following available:

• Address and ZIP code of the damaged property
• Condition of damages
• Insurance information
• Social Security number
• Best phone number for contacting
• Mailing address and/or email address

Residents should note that FEMA personnel will be easily identifiable. All DSA team members will have a FEMA ID and will wear FEMA-branded navy blue vests. Any individual who might suspect suspicious activity should call 911. Residents may also call the County’s Emergency Operations Center at 803-576-3439 to verify authenticity.

The door-to-door visits are expected to last through early next week. More information about disaster assistance can be found on FEMA’s website, on the agency’s mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362.