The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Tennessee and ordered
Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms,
flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes beginning on April 30, 2010, and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties
of Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman and Williamson.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover
uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover
from the effects of the disaster.
 
Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private
nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis in the counties of Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman
and Williamson for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal
assistance.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures
statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of
Homeland Security, named Gracia B. Szczech as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal
recovery operations in the affected area. 

FEMA said that damage surveys have been scheduled and more counties and additional forms of
assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed in the affected areas.

FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties
can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at
http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY)
for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m.
to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  FEMA (202) 646-4600.