Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards

FEMA Region IV serves the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The Regional Office is located in Atlanta, Ga., and the Federal Regional Center is located in Thomasville, Ga. They work hand-in-hand with federal, state, tribal, local and private sector partners to meet the needs of its state emergency management agencies.

Region IV’s natural risks include hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, droughts, ice storms, earthquakes, wildfires, and tropical storms. Six of our eight states are hurricane-prone, so Federal Coordinating Officers have been pre-designated to plan for hurricane response issues and work closely with the state emergency management agencies.

Telephone Numbers:
Main Number: 770-220-5200
Fax Number: 770-220-5230

Mailing Address:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
3003 Chamblee Tucker Road
Atlanta, GA 30341

Click here for more information on the Individual Assistance program

Click here for the FEMA Information Library 

Frequently Asked Questions

I was under mandatory evacuation; will FEMA pay me back for my expenses?

FEMA does not compensate for evacuation expenses, even if the evacuation was mandatory. However, lodging/hotel expenses may be eligible for reimbursement if the home was damaged to the extent you could not return for an extended period of time, so retain your verifiable hotel/motel lodging receipts. Do not send lodging receipts to FEMA before you have registered for assistance. Miscellaneous evacuation expenses such as food and gasoline are not reimbursable, regardless of whether the homes was damaged.

If you have Homeowner’s Insurance, you may want to contact your insurance company regarding Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses (ALE). This coverage may assist you with your evacuation expenses.

If you will need help evacuating or finding shelter, call the United Way by dialing 2-1-1 from a landline phone. Emergency food, clothing, shelter, and medical assistance may be provided to individuals and families as a result of the disaster. The American Red Cross (ARC) may also be able to provide immediate assistance. They can be reached at RedCross.org or 1-800-733-2767.

How does FEMA get involved in a State disaster?

Once a disaster has occurred, and the State has declared a state of emergency, the State will evaluate the recovery capabilities of the State and local governments. If it is determined that the damage is beyond their recovery capability, the governor will normally send a request letter to the President, directed through the Regional Director of the appropriate FEMA region. The President then makes the decision whether or not to declare a major disaster or emergency.

After a presidential declaration has been made, FEMA will designate the area eligible for assistance and announce the types of assistance available. FEMA provides supplemental assistance for State and local government recovery expenses, and the Federal share will always be at least 75 percent of the eligible costs.

How do I create an account EMA registration online?

1. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
2. In the middle of the screen, on the right side, you will see an area that says “Check Your Application Status”
3. Click the button that says “Create one now” A form will appear to confirm your identity before allowing you to access your FEMA information online.You will then take a short security quiz. This ensures your personal information is secure.
4.  After completing the security quiz, you will be asked to create a password.

You will also be provided a temporary PIN number via e-mail to the e-mail address provided at the time of the request. You should receive your temporary PIN within 24 hours of the request for a PIN. Please allow 24 hours after receiving your temporary PIN via e-mail before accessing your personal account. When you first login, you will be asked to change the temporary PIN to a “Token” of your choosing.

If you require technical assistance accessing your online account, please call the FEMA Technical Help Desk at 1-800-745-0243; they are available 24 hours a day seven days a week.

My electricity was off for 5 days and I lost all my food; can FEMA help?

Food loss is not covered by FEMA’s Individual and Households Program (IHP). Voluntary organizations in the disaster area may be able to help you with food needs.

Will FEMA help with repairs/replacement of my car?

Auto insurance and the Small Business Administration (SBA) are the two primary resources available to applicants who have damage to a vehicle as a result of a disaster. If you are not able to secure assistance through either of these organizations, FEMA may be able to assist with the cost of repairing and/or replacing your vehicle that is no longer usable because of disaster-related damage. Verification may be required to show:

• the vehicle is registered in the applicant’s name or in the applicant’s dependent’s name, and
• the vehicle is insured and conforms to applicable State laws.

An estimate may be required stating that the damage to the vehicle was a direct result of a Presidentially-declared disaster. Transportation repair and replacement award amounts are set by the state on a yearly basis and FEMA cannot exceed the amount of transportation assistance established by the state.