Rutherford/Cannon Counties, TN – Recent tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds that struck the Rutherford and Cannon County areas between March 31, 2023 to April 1, 2023, are causing massive problems for area homeowners and in some cases, renters. WGNS spoke to Kim Keblish, Media Relations Specialist with FEMA, and asked if not only homeowners, but also renters are covered by FEMA... We asked Keblish specifically, what does FEMA help to cover?

If you do apply for FEMA assistance, you will need to provide the government organization proof of home ownership or rental occupancy... If you don't have all the documents you need, due to them being lost or destroyed in the storm...  The first step to receiving help is to set-up a FEMA profile by visiting www.fema.gov/disaster/4701 or by calling them at 800-621-3362. You can apply for FEMA assistance, set-up a FEMA profile or check on the status of your assistance being approved by calling or visiting FEMA today. FEMA often helps with items that may not be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance, so it's important to fill out an application to receive funds for those added benefits that you don't have coverage for... Again, the phone number is 800-621-3362.

The impacted counties include: Rutherford, Cannon, Macon, Lewis, Wayne, Hardin, McNairy, Hardeman, Haywood, Tipton Counties in Tennessee. HEAR the entire 16-minute FEMA interview by WGNS' Scott Walker above this article.