Nebraska Tornadoes: FEMA starts canvassing hardest hit areas

ELKHORN, Neb. (WOWT) – There’s no shortage of damage, debris, or uncertainty in the Elkhorn neighborhood of Ramblewood.

“All of us homeowners are like where to start, what can I get, who can help me?” said Zoe Sorando.

From the sidewalk, Sorando’s home may look like it’s all there, but the inside maps a much more challenging path for her and her family. She’s had inspectors, engineers, and electricians come and go.

“They are trying to help, but having a lot of people you don’t understand what they are doing, it is overwhelming,” she said.

Thankfully, she says, these two women with FEMA took the time to help her understand their purpose.

“For them coming house to house and offering the services, it is like very helpful,” said Sorando.

FEMA teams are speaking with homeowners and renters, encouraging them to apply with them or online. The federal agency often provides money for needs not covered by insurance, like home repairs or paying for a place to live.

“We’re working with every household on a case-by-case basis,” said John Mills, a FEMA spokesperson. “We want to hear from people about what their needs are and make you eligible for as much as we possibly can.”

They’re also leaving flyers. For Sorando, this response helps calm the chaos she’s experiencing now: “I’m looking forward to follow up and see what else they can do for me.”

She made it through 2017′s deadly hurricane while living in Puerto Rico. Now she can add 2024′s tornado outbreak to this list.

“I was a survivor of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. And FEMA is not…I mean they’re not out there like this,” said Sorando.

With FEMA’s arrival, it warns residents about potential fraud. They said “FEMA employees do not ask for money – or accept money – from disaster survivors. FEMA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help with registration.”

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