By John Howell
FEMA representatives will continue knocking on doors today in  Panola County in areas damaged by the December 23 tornado and the flooding rains that followed.
Panola County EMA Director Daniel Cole said that the FEMA representatives began door-to-door canvassing yesterday, taking applications for disaster assistance. They are traveling in unmarked vehicles but will be wearing blue shirts with a FEMA logo and they will carry FEMA identification, Cole said.
People missed by the FEMA canvassing can apply in person at the recovery center run jointly by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the Marks Fire Department, 108 W. Main St. in Marks.  It is open Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice.
Survivors with storm-related losses are encouraged to register for assistance before going to the disaster recovery center by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov <http://www.disasterassistance.gov/>  using a computer, tablet, iPhone, Android or other mobile device.
Any survivor who needs reasonable accommodations when visiting the center may request them by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
Businesses, homeowners and renters can apply for low-interest disaster loans at www.SBA.gov/disaster <http://www.sba.gov/disaster>  or by calling SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339).
Disaster recovery centers are also open in Coahoma County at the Clarksdale Civic Auditorium, 506 E. Second St. in Clarksdale, in Benton County at the Ashland Fire Department, 60 Third St. in Ashland, and in Marshall County at the Spring Hollow Plaza, 198 N. Memphis St. Disaster survivors can visit any center to receive help.