GAYLORD (WWJ) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted Governor Gretchen Whitmer's request to expedite the assessment of damage and response costs caused by the deadly EF3 tornado that destroyed several homes and businesses in Gaylord last Friday.
"This assessment is a critical step in seeking federal aid for Otsego County by confirming the reported damage caused by Friday’s tornado," said Whitmer. "We are expediting the damage assessment process to ensure we receive all possible assistance for the people of Gaylord, as quickly as possible. Michiganders are tough, and together, we will do what it takes to rebuild."
The PDA is the next step in the process of asking for federal assistance, and teams will be composed of personnel from FEMA, Michigan State Police, local governments, the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.
Joint PDA teams, according to the Office of Gov. Whitmer, are expected to begin gathering information in the affected communities on Wednesday.
They will be collecting estimated response and recovery costs, focusing on the number of damaged buildings, extent of insurance coverage, displaced individuals and threats to health and safety.
“This was a devastating storm. My thoughts are with the entire Gaylord community and all those who were affected by the tornado. I am also grateful to the first responders who rushed to the scene to assist victims and save lives,” said Senator Gary Peters. “My staff has been in close contact with both the Governor’s office and FEMA as they continue responding to this tragedy. As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I stand ready to support any requests for federal disaster assistance as needed.”
The request letter can be found here.
Related
Related
