Cooper Requests Individual Assistance

Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 00:55 Sundae Horn

This is my house. It is one of many historic homes with significant damage.

Gov. Cooper made the formal request for FEMA Individual Assistance Saturday evening.

According to the letter Cooper sent to the White House by way of FEMA, Hyde County (Ocracoke) has 307 homes affected by Hurricane Dorian. The 307 homes breakdown in the initial assessment as: 11 destroyed, 67 with major damage, 54 with minor damage, 114 affected, 6 inaccessible, and 55 NVD. It doesn't say what NVD means. "Not very damaged"? Inquiring minds want to know!

The letter also cites major damage to Ocracoke's infrastructure and the NC Emergency Management's study showing that much of the damage caused by Dorian will not be covered by insurance.

Cooper asked for Individual Assistance for Ocracoke and 13 counties including FEMA programs that provide small business disaster loans, disaster unemployment, crisis counseling, and disaster SNAP benefits. It also includes a request for Individual and Households Program (IHP), which can provide housing and home repair funding. (Check out this handy fact sheet about IHP.)

Cooper's request awaits Trump's signature. It doesn't hurt to call Senators Burr and Tillis, the White House, and/or Congressman Murphy to remind them that Ocracoke needs help.

Richard Burr: 202-224-3154

Thom Tillis: 202-224-6342

White House: 202-456-1111

Greg Murphy: 202-225-3415