A federal disaster declaration has been granted for Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner counties following the Dec. 9 storm that killed six people and caused widespread damage to homes, business and infrastructure, including a Nashville Electric Service substation.
“State and local officials, first responders and volunteers continue to provide critical support to impacted Tennessee communities following significant storm damage,” Gov. Bill Lee says in a news release, following the action by President Joe Biden. “As Tennessee rebuilds, I thank our federal partners for granting resources to further our severe weather response and recovery across the state.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will coordinate the recovery operations, and residents affected by the storm can apply for assistance online here.
Residents and business owners who sustained damage in the designated areas can also apply by calling 800-621-FEMA between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., with multilingual operators available, or by using the FEMA app.
“With the approval of this declaration, we are able to meet survivors’ immediate needs in those most widely impacted communities,” Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan says. “We will continue working to make sure Tennesseans have the resources needed for a swift recovery.”
On Wednesday, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell called on Nashvillians to join the volunteer effort to clean up storm damage and help the victims of the storm. Three of the deaths occurred in Madison in Davidson County.
According to the mayor's office, more than 500 Nashvillians have volunteered through NashvilleResponds.com, and 180 Nashvillians have registered to receive emergency assistance.
Volunteers must register online here and will receive information about where and how they can help.
A supply distribution center has been set up at FiftyForward Madison Station, located at 530 Madison Station Blvd., where those in need can receive cleaning and hygiene supplies.
The distribution center is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
This article was first published by our sister publication, The News.
