Crisfield Residents, Officials Rejoice After FEMA Approval - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

CRISFIELD, Md. - It's been nearly two weeks since FEMA denied individual assistance to Maryland counties.

But thanks to the work of local officials, FEMA disaster aid is finally coming to Somerset County.

"This is a godsend to us right now," said Steve Marshall, Somerset Co. EMS Director.  "We've got a lot of people that are still hurting."    

For residents like Carl Emely, life since Sandy has been anything but easy.  Displaced in a nearby hotel, tears filled his eyes when he heard news that FEMA federal aid is coming to Somerset County.

"With all this going on it was really just a relief to see that," said Emely.

As local politicians fought back to appeal FEMA's initial response, Crisfield volunteers prepared for the worse and kept rebuilding homes.  

"We said, 'look this is just not right the federal government needs to be in here,'" said Sen. Ben Cardin (D). "Clearly the community was devastated."      

"What people had told us early on was not to expect the appeal to be successful because it had never changed," said John Phoebus, a Crisfield volunteer. "Never say never to Crisfielders because were going to keep fighting until we get what we thought our people deserved."

Somerset County residents can start applying immediately for disaster assistance.  Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Sandy can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. If you have a smartphone, the application website is m.fema.gov. 

While applying for assistance, residents need to be sure to bring important information.  Here is a link to a checklist of what you'll need to bring.  FEMA will start going door-to-door to hand out flyers about how to apply.