FEMA takes stock of tornado damage

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - FEMA teams are on the ground assessing storm damage in four Indiana Counties including Ripley, Clark, Jefferson, and Scott Counties.

The teams are walking door to door to identify and quantify the damage.

“We are going to be looking at the impact, we are going to be looking at the effects on these people. Do they have to relocate for schools? Do they have a place to stay?” said FEMA spokesman Gene Romano.

Federal Aid Requirements

Getting federal dollars into the pockets of storm victims isn’t automatic. Certain thresholds have to be met. One is the number of homes damaged. That threshold for Indiana sits at 400 homes. The Department of Homeland Security expects that number will be exceeded.

“We have a tremendous amount of impact here in the area. We feel confidant we are going to paint a picture that the president is going to have to take a look at” said Alvin Copeland, Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

“If we do get a declaration, the maximum they can get is $31,400 from FEMA. That’s to rebuild their houses and their lives and that’s not a lot of money.”

Hearing From Victims
When possible, assessment teams stop to talk to homeowners.

They met Henryville resident Cindy Cain along the way. She lost everything in the storm.

“I can’t break down anymore. I done, done it,” said Cain.

Cain had no home insurance. She gave it up last year so she could pay her medical bills.
She’s hoping the federal assistance will come through so she can rebuild a place to call home.

“I’ve been living here for 18 years. I like being here” said Cain.

FEMA expects the damage assessment to be completed by the end of the week. The State will forward the results through FEMA to the President.