Late Friday, President Barack Obama signed a declaration for Walker County along with 15 other Georgia Counties to receive individual federal assistance for storm damage that occurred Wednesday.

Because of the declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is gearing up to begin processing claims.

Persons with storm damage can begin the process of filing for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by visiting their website at www.FEMA.gov. There is also a line for those to call who are hearing impaired; that number is 1-880-464-7585. A local office will be opened early next week for personal assistance at the Walker County Agricultural Center in Rock Spring.

General public volunteers wishing to help storm victims on Sunday, May 1, should report beginning at 1 p.m. to Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church in Flintstone. The church will have a late start Sunday to allow the community to worship and reflect on the week’s events.

Items still needed by those ravaged by the storms include tarps, rolls of plastic, bottles water, sports drinks, gas cards, cleaning supplies, rice, batteries, fly strips, charcoal, bug spray, sun block, garbage bags, adult and baby diapers, baby food, and cereal bars. These items can be taken to the following:

· Walker County Civic Center, 10052 N. Hwy 27, Rock Spring

· Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church, 90 Nick-a-Jack Lane, Flintstone

· Oakwood Baptist Church, 115 Oakwood Street, Chickamauga

· Grace Community Church, 3885 Nick-a-Jack and 157, Lookout Mountain

· LaFayette First Baptist Church, 201 North Main Street, LaFayette

People needing any of the referenced items should go to the above locations for distribution, with the exception of the Walker County Civic Center.

Those individuals looking for a hot shower can report at Chattanooga Valley Elementary School or Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church.

Those individuals looking to dispose of debris can use the Walker County Landfill, which will operate Sunday, May 1, from 9 to 5.

Anyone wishing to enter Eagle Landing, Valley View, Eagle Cliff, and Turkey Run subdivisions should be prepared to show identification as a resident, work order, or other proof of a need for access.