In the wake of Hurricane Helene, local insurance agent Ricky Walters is assisting Northeast Tennesseans affected by the disaster in applying for FEMA assistance. His office in Elizabethton has been open to help file claims, having submitted between 50 and 100 claims since opening for public service. Applicants are encouraged to gather necessary documentation such as social security cards and proof of address prior to applying. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is December 2, and it is noted that as of now, FEMA has provided over $344 million in disaster aid to over 375,000 families.
