(RALEIGH) -- Emergency response efforts continue as officials wait to see whether North Carolina will get federal money for cleanup, small business loans or individual assistance following the worst tornado outbreak in nearly 30 years. Federal coordinating officer Michael Bolch said FEMA is ready to take charge if President Obama issues a disaster declaration.

“If he does sign that disaster request, then we want to get going as soon as possible to bring any kind of relief we can offer,” said Bolch.

He added that those affected by storm damage can take a few steps to prepare, in case federal relief money becomes available. "If they have insurance papers, or their insurance adjusters have been out, or if they have receipts, if the have photo documentation, or anything like that that they can be prepared to come see us to make the case for what type of assistance we could make eligible to them."

He indicated that FEMA officials are already on the ground assessing damage from a barrage of storms, including tornadoes that claimed 23 lives across North Carolina.