Etowah and Dekalb counties included in FEMA disaster declaration

The recovery efforts in the Smith Institute community are in a transition phase.  Today will be the last day the command center at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church will be in operation, but the volunteers and relief efforts aren’t going anywhere.  FEMA will be coming into the area Today to establish a Disaster Recovery Center. It will be located in the courtroom of Sardis City Hall. They are expected to be in town for three weeks.  People who need their uninsured belongings covered can begin the process with FEMA Friday. Donations are still being accepted and drop-off locations are all around Etowah County. The United Way is accepting non-perishables, toiletries, plastic storage bins and other items for storm victims. They will not be accepting clothing at this time. If you would like to volunteer in Etowah County, you can contact the local offices of the American Red Cross, United Way, or Salvation Army.