AARP Alabama Disaster Relief & Recovery

Please encourage anyone with storm damage and unmet needs to contact 2-1-1 or call 888-421-1266. You can also text 888-421-1266 or chat with someone by visiting 211connectsalabama.org. Once 2-1-1 knows your needs, they can pair you with volunteers to assist.

Homeowners and renters in Lee County may now apply for disaster assistance for uninsured and under-insured damage and losses resulting from the March 3 severe storms, straight line winds and tornadoes. If you cannot return to your home, or you are unable to live in your home, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or visit a Disaster Recovery Center to determine what federal, state, local or voluntary agency assistance may be available to you.

You can also visit one of the two Disaster Recovery Centers to register for disaster assistance. At these centers you can get in-person assistance with starting a new application or answers to questions you may have about existing applications.

Mount Olive Baptist Church
784 Lee Road 298
Smiths Station, AL 36877
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (EDT) daily

Providence Baptist Church
2807 Lee Road 166
Opelika, AL 36804
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CDT) daily

After registering for disaster assistance, you may receive a determination letter by mail or email from FEMA. Read your determination letter carefully to understand your eligibility for federal assistance. There are many reasons for an initial ineligibility determination. You can read more about understanding your determination letter here.

If you or your organization wants to volunteer, please contact 2-1-1 or call 888-421-1266 to register and receive more information.

Unfortunately, following a natural disaster there are several scams that can pop up quickly. From fake charity scams to home repair scams, AARP AL wants to make sure you stay informed to protect yourself.

» Fake charities pop up quickly in the aftermath of a natural disaster or weather emergency. Scammers jump at the opportunity to exploit our sense of wanting to help. Read more here.

» The aftermath of a natural disaster is prime time for home repair scams. The general ruse involves someone coming to your door and offering to do work on your home, typically at a big discount. Read more here.

Report disaster fraud or scams to the FEMA Fraud Branch at 866-223-0814 or email FEMA-OCSO-Tipline@fema.dhs.gov. You can also complete a Consumer Complaint Form online to send to the Alabama Attorney General at https://ago.alabama.gov/ConsumerComplaint.

If you have been affected by the recent storms, and provide around the clock care to a loved one with a special need, disability, chronic/terminal, or mental illness, please contact Alabama Lifespan Respite if you’re in need of a temporary break from caring. You may be eligible for Emergency Respite. You can also download the Alabama Respite EMERGENCY Enrollment Form here.

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. This program helps people and communities better cope with a disaster and reduces stress on the healthcare system. People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 72,000 retail pharmacies across the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster.

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. This program helps people and communities better cope with a disaster and reduces stress on the healthcare system. People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 72,000 retail pharmacies across the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster.

Getting backup power from a portable electric generator can be a big help in an emergency. Stay safe with these tips.

Victims of the March 3rd tornadoes and severe storms in Alabama have until July 31, 2019, to file certain individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. Read more here.