NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Some residents are asking why the government declared disasters in some parts of the state but not others.

Video: FEMA: Some Areas Could Still Be Declared Disaster

Several counties suffered extensive damage in the storms, and problem solver Chris Tatum has some pointers should the government change its mind about your county.

Some Trousdale County leaders said they wish the federal government was less picky about who it plans to help.

“I can't promise we'll get the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) money, but we're working every way we can,” said a Hartsville official.

Despite the destruction in Trousdale County, FEMA has not declared it a federal disaster area, which means that victims there do not qualify for federal financial help.

In all, tornados ravaged 17 Tennessee counties, but so far, the feds have only declared five of them as federal disaster areas.

“Don't decide for yourself that you're not eligible,” a FEMA representative said.

FEMA insists that residents shouldn't worry, because teams still go out every day to assess damage and that it may add more counties.

“It could happen today. It could happen tomorrow, next week. There's no way to tell,” the representative said.

FEMA said residents shouldn't wait to see if their county will qualify and recommended that residents go ahead and call 1-800-621-FEMA now to report damage. That way, if it does declare that county a disaster area, it'll already have your claim on file, which could cut weeks or months off your wait time.

They said before you call FEMA, make sure you have a phone where you can receive calls and make sure you have an address where you can receive mail. FEMA said if the federal government tries to reach you but can't, it could push your claim back to the end of the line.

Even if you have homeowner's insurance, FEMA said you should still call, because the agency may be able to help with things that insurance doesn't cover.

To report a claim or to get your on file, call 1-800-621-FEMA.