Disaster Relief for Lake Burton

President OKs disaster declaration

Deal, delegation requested aid for 16 counties hit hardest by storm

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that President Obama approved a federal disaster

declaration for 16 counties devastated by severe storms, tornadoes, straight‐line winds and

associated flooding on April 27‐28. The storms killed 15 people and hundreds of homes and

businesses were damaged.

"We appreciate the prompt response by President Obama and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate

as we begin the arduous process of recovery," said Deal. "Georgia’s entire congressional

delegation jumped into gear on the federal level to seek aid for their constituents, and their

diligence has paid off. This assistance will be of great help to the survivors who are reclaiming

their lives."

The counties eligible to receive individual assistance include: Bartow, Catoosa, Dade, Floyd, Polk,

Spalding and Walker. Residents and business owners in these counties who sustained losses can

begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling

1‐800‐621‐FEMA (3362) or 1‐800‐462‐7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The tollfree

telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Individual

assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious

disaster‐related expenses. Low‐interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also

will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

The president also has designated that local governments and certain private nonprofit

organizations in Bartow, Catoosa, Coweta, Dade, Floyd, Greene, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe,

Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Spalding, Troup, and Walker counties are eligible to receive

federal funds to help offset 75 percent of the cost of debris removal and emergency protective

measures.

This disaster declaration also makes all counties in Georgia eligible to apply for assistance under

the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides assistance to state and local governments

and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long‐term risk

to life and property from natural hazards.

NORTHERN PART OF LAKE BURTON CLOSED

GEMA has established a Safety Hazard Zone for the Northern part of Lake Burton that was affected by the storm.  This zone has been organized by DNR with the approval of the DNR Commissioner.  This zone is for boating safety, search & rescue and evaluation efforts.  This plan will be reviewed each morning until all search and rescue has been completed and affected roads have been cleared.  Lake residents that are in the affected areas  are being asked to stay away until the above operations are completed.   Contractors will also not be allowed in the affected areas at this time.  All lake residents in the Northern part of Lake Burton are asked to stay off the reservoir until  these safety conditions are lifted.

SAFETY HAZARD ZONE

All areas north of the McClain Cemetery/Mr. Safety (34.49.40.27N/83.33.41.22W  and 34.49.40.20/N83.33.1.99W)  will be closed to  boating and other recreational water activities.  South of the McClain Cemetery to the dam will remain open for recreational boating use.

Murray Cove ramp is currently the only ramp open for recreational use.

Updated Lake Burton Tornado Information, Photos & Video

We have created a page devoted to providing information on the damage caused by the unfathomable tornado that struck Lake Burton on April 27, 2011.  TORNADO

Lake Burton Tornado Photos

We have updated the album and merged new photos by Julie Barnett. There are now about 500 photos that help catalogue the destruction of the tornado on Lake Burton on 4/27/2011.
http://gallery.me.com/craigkettles#100757
We will update our website www.lake-burton-rabun.com with this link.

Devastating Tornado Hits Lake Burton

Lake Burton was struck by a devastating tornado last night.  These before and after photos are from a home that was sold by us just last week.  We have checked on all of our listings and most appear to be in good shape.  However, much of Lake Burton has suffered.  For hundreds of more photos of the damage, we have created a web page at LAKE-BURTON-TORNADO
with the most up to date information we can find along with photos and links to video and aerial photography.

Another Sale on Lake Burton

This home on Lake Burton sold to a Lake Team client today for $815,000.