As recovery continues across Georgia following Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene, FEMA encourages residents to consider five ways they can strengthen their property against future severe storms.
- Reinforce Your Residence: Homeowners can update their home’s structure by installing straps to their roof’s beams to make it strong enough to resist the effect of high winds that can cause the roof to lift and then collapse back on the house.
- Defend Those Doors: To avoid doors failing under wind pressure, homeowners can reinforce their garage doors with girds and by strengthening the wheel tracks. They can reinforce double-entry doors with a heavy-duty deadbolt, adding slide bolts on one of the doors and using longer hinge attachments on the door and frame.
- Guard Your Glass. Storm shutters prevent windows from breaking when there is windborne debris. You can also add shatter-resistant film or stormproof high-impact glass to reduce the chances of glass breaking.
- Trim and Tighten. Consider trimming tree branches that may pose a threat to your home and securing outdoor furniture and fuel tanks that can serve as projectiles during high wind events.
- Ensure You’re Fully Insured. Take the time to review your insurance coverage and talk to your agent to verify your household is adequately insured for high-wind events and other disaster risks in your community.
Federal Funds Available to Help You Reduce Your Home’s Disaster Risk
Homeowners who received FEMA assistance may receive additional funds for specific risk reduction measures such as roof repairs to withstand higher winds. Learn more at Hazard Mitigation Under the Individuals and Households Program.
In addition, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans can be increased up to 20 percent to make building upgrades to help protect a home or business against future disasters.
Learn more at SBA Mitigation Assistance.
For even more tips to protect your home in high-wind events, you may also visit Protect Your Property From Severe Winds Brochure 2023 (fema.gov).
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
There are several ways for survivors of Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4-20, 2024) and Hurricane Helene (Sept. 24-Oct. 30, 2024) to apply:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov,
- use the FEMA App
- or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Survivors may also contact the Georgia Call Center at 678-547-2861, Monday through Saturday, for assistance with their application. You may also visit any open Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 7, 2025.