Two Weeks Left To Register For Disaster Assistance
Deadline is August 10
Release Date: July 23, 2009
Release Number: 1829-113
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Bismarck, N.D. -- Only two weeks remain for homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered damages from spring and summer severe weather and flooding to apply for disaster assistance.
State and federal disaster officials are urging people in the 41 counties and three tribal reservations designated for federal and state assistance to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency before the registration deadline of Aug. 10.
"We don't want anyone with disaster damages to miss this opportunity for assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Justo "Tito" Hernandez.
To register call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CDT and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. MDT. People can also register online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Individual disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for home repair, temporary housing, essential uninsured items and other disaster related needs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also offers residents low-interest loans for home-owners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations. The deadline for physical damage is also Aug. 10, 2009. Businesses and private non-profit organizations have until Jan. 11, 2010, to file for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) to provide working capital to assist through the recovery period.
Registering with FEMA starts the application process for federal and state assistance related to property losses caused by severe storms and flooding. People who have registered with other agencies must also register with FEMA if they want access to federal and state aid.
After the Aug. 10 disaster assistance deadline, FEMA's toll-free lines will still be available to answer questions about programs or the status of an application.
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services provides 24/7 emergency communications and resource coordination with more than 50 lead and support agencies, private enterprise, and voluntary organizations to assist local jurisdictions in disaster and emergency response activities. It administers federal disaster recovery programs and the Homeland Security Grant Program.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Friday, 24-Jul-2009 07:43:15