Gov. Bill Lee today requested a federal disaster declaration for nine counties affected by this weekend’s storms, which also impacted Arkansas, Illinois and Kentucky. The request asks for assistance with debris removal and emergency protective measures in Cheatham, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Lake, Obion, Stewart and Weakley counties. The governor said a request for individual assistance likely will be made after officials are able to fully assess damage. Tornadoes and other severe storms Friday and Saturday resulted in fatalities, damaged structures in more than 20 counties, and disrupted power and utility operations, according to the Tennessean. The paper also reported today that at least 11 tornadoes touched down in Middle Tennessee. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is providing information for those who would like to help as well as for those in need of assistance.

The deadline has passed, but federal help may still be available for survivors of August flooding that impacted Dickson, Hickman, Houston and Humphreys counties. According to WPLN, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration are still accepting appeals and late applications. So far, federal authorities have approved about $16 million in disaster relief, 128 low-interest loans, and $7 million for about 2,500 households. Flood survivors who missed the application deadline or believe they did not receive enough funds are encouraged to submit an appeal as soon as possible.

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs is warning consumers about flood damaged vehicles that may appear in used car markets following Hurricane Ida. In the past, vehicles from hurricane impacted areas have been sold to unsuspecting consumers without proper disclosure, the office reports. To avoid purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle, consumers should check a car’s history using its VIN number, review the title before signing a contract or paying money, examine the car for signs of flood damage, and get the car inspected by an independent mechanic. Learn more here.

When disaster strikes, the legal aid agencies are available to help those impacted, Bridget Stewart writes in a guest column for the Tennessean. Stewart, a disaster response attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands, highlights the ways legal aid can help: assisting residents with replacing lost documents, providing guidance on getting homes restored to a livable condition, helping clients understand insurance policies and rental agreements, helping victims apply for FEMA funds and providing education about price gouging and unscrupulous contractors. Those in Middle Tennessee who need assistance should call l800-238-1443 or visit www.las.org/tornado-relief.

Participants and team members from the 23rd Judicial District Drug Court helped those impacted by the deadly flooding in Waverly last month. The group was among the first volunteers to help clear the roads of debris, removing furniture and appliances from destroyed homes and helping victims salvage any belongings they could find. Humphreys County Circuit Court Clerk Edie Stainforth reported that several drug court participants sifted through the mud to find a small box containing sentimental jewelry. Another homeowner reported that the drug court crew recovered a family photo album. The 23rd Judicial District Drug Court Program was established 22 years ago. Those accepted into the program are sent to in-patient treatment for at least 28 days and afterwards live in one of the program’s Sober Living Houses. “Public service is a vital part of our recovery program,” said Drug Court Director Kevin Batts. Read more from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The Tennessee Trial Lawyers’ Community Relief Fund has made five disaster relief grants to community organizations helping residents of Humphreys County and Waverly recover from devastating flooding. The contributions will benefit Salter’s Chapel AME Church, Humphreys Homeless Coalition, Waverly Church of Christ, Humphreys County Humane Society and Waverly Elks Lodge No. 2289. The fund was created in March 2020 by the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein following tornadoes that hit Nashville that year. It is administered through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Contributions may be made online or by mailing a check to the foundation at P.O. Box 440225, Nashville, TN 37244. Please note the donation is for the Trial Lawyers’ Community Relief Fund.

The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Disaster Legal Services Program (DLS) is ramping up pro bono efforts to assist Louisianans affected by Hurricane Ida. Attorneys play a vital role in helping disaster survivors recover after a disaster, including accessing post-disaster assistance from federal and state programs and responding to other needs. The DLS is asking interested attorneys to register to assist with the anticipated legal needs. Additionally, the Louisiana State Bar’s website has information about how to assist attorneys affected by the hurricane in their state, including providing office space, technology and housing.

Gov. Bill Lee today signed an executive order declaring a major disaster and state of emergency for Humphreys County after deadly flooding in Middle Tennessee last weekend, the Tennessean reports. Executive Order 85 frees up state aid for residents while they repair damage caused by the flood. It gives the Humphreys School District the flexibility to implement its Continuous Learning Plan and allows qualified medical professionals and contractors licensed outside the state of Tennessee to assist in treatment and relief efforts for disaster victims. EO85 also allows state officials to waive fees for residents needing to replace driver’s licenses, motor vehicle titles and other paperwork. State-level aid will supplement federal aid approved by President Joe Biden yesterday.

Court operations in Humphreys County have been disrupted by flooding over the weekend, the Administrative Office of the Courts reports. While the courthouse itself did not sustain substantial damage, phone and internet outages and road closures are impacting the court’s ability to conduct business. Servers are down in the court clerk’s office and staff cannot access email or some court data or records. The circuit court closed this week as several court staff lost family, friends or property in the floods. Dockets have been moved but Judge Suzanne Lockert-Mash will be onsite to handle emergency orders, warrants or other matters that need to be addressed. Attorneys who have business with the courts over the next few weeks should call before traveling to the courthouse.

President Joe Biden today approved federal funding for residents of Humphreys County affected by the catastrophic flooding on Saturday, News 5 reports. “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,” officials with the White House said in a release. Residents and business owners can begin applying for assistance tomorrow. Watch for more information from the TBA about disaster legal assistance opportunities to help affected individuals.