Aiken Residents Seek Assistance as Recovery Efforts Continue
Aiken, SC – After recent severe weather left many homes damaged and communities reeling, local residents are banding together to navigate the recovery process. Even though power and water are gradually being restored, countless individuals across the CSRA are still waiting for FEMA assistance and the processing of their insurance claims.
A Community in Need
Many homes experienced significant damage during the storm, leading to various personal losses, from destroyed property to perishable food thrown away. Loree Roberts, a resident of North Augusta, voiced her struggles as she expressed her worries about being stuck in a cycle of waiting for support. “They cut our hours, nobody was going in,” Roberts explained. “They just started back today; I don’t start until Wednesday. So, that’s a whole pay cycle, I’m one of those paycheck-to-paycheck people. And I do have EBT, my $60 is long gone.”
Roberts mentioned that she remains without power and has suffered extensive damage to her home. Unfortunately, she’s not alone in experiencing delays in the assistance she needs.
The Call for Help
Local resident Will Williams shared similar sentiments, stating, “I pay enough already from homeowners’ insurance, so, I’m hoping to get help from FEMA. I hope they come through. I mean, I hope it’s not a bunch of red tape that I’ve got to go through to get help from them.”
The recovery efforts through FEMA and various insurance providers aren’t instantaneous, leaving many people waiting for their claims to be processed before they can start making necessary repairs to their homes.
Guidance from Experts
Representatives from insurance companies are urging patience as recovery efforts unfold. Roszell Gadson, a representative from State Farm, said, “This is a widespread event, and we certainly ask people to be patient while they are working through the process.” Gadson also emphasized the importance of making temporary repairs and obtaining estimates from contractors to ensure homes can be made safe again. “We advise several estimates to make sure you are getting a good deal,” he added.
Once homeowners identify whether their homes are safe for habitation, State Farm encourages them to document the damage. Taking pictures and saving receipts is vital, so keep that in mind! After filing a claim, it’s crucial to maintain communication with your insurance agent to stay updated on the status of your claim.
Processing Claims
“We’ve seen a good many numbers of claims coming in at this point; the amount of time for each claim definitely varies,” remarked Michael Wise, Director of the S.C. Department of Insurance. “But if you definitely have a claim, get in touch with your insurance company and let them know about it. Get the process started, and if your companies are here at our insurance village, then come talk to them in person, and you can get moving even quicker.”
For those who suffered total home loss, their recovery is regarded as the top priority, and those experiencing minimal damage are asked to remain patient during this challenging period.
One-Stop Shop in Aiken
To assist the community in navigating this difficult time, a one-stop shop for claims assistance will be available in Aiken. Set to open on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the facility will be located in the Aldi parking lot on Whiskey Road. This initiative offers residents the chance to meet with insurance providers and FEMA representatives, making the often complicated process of filing claims considerably easier.
As the recovery continues, residents are encouraged to reach out for support and stay informed. The path to rebuilding may take time, but the Aiken community is resilient and ready to push forward together.
