February 7 Deadline For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: January 16, 2008
Release Number: 1734-045
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
LACEY, Wash. -- Officials with the Washington Division of Emergency Management (DEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced that the deadline for Washington residents affected by the severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides between December 1 to 17 to register for federal/state disaster assistance is February 7.
The deadline is set for 60 days after the declaration, which was December 8th. Assistance can continue beyond this date, but this is the last day to call in or go on line to register.
Residents in the 10 counties eligible for Individual Assistance who suffered damage from the storms are urged to call the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) as soon as possible. The TTY number for residents with special speech or hearing needs is TTY 1-800-462-7585. Hours of operation for registering with FEMA are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Residents can also register online at www.fema.gov.
Counties eligible for Individual Assistance are Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum.
Disaster Recovery Efforts to Date
- More than $28.4 million in assistance and low-interest loans has already has been approved by FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
- 9,338 individuals and households from the 10 designated counties have applied for assistance.
- More than $14.4 million ($14,440,462) in Housing Assistance has been approved for rental assistance, temporary lodging and housing repairs.
- More than $1.5 million ($1,539,363) in Other Needs Assistance (ONA) has been approved to cover personal property loss, medical costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.
- 637 rental referrals have been made from the Housing Resource Helpline.
- 4,469 visits have been made to the Disaster Recovery Centers in the designated counties to meet with recovery experts.
- 6,136 home inspections have been completed.
- The SBA has approved more than $12.4 million ($12,451,500) in low-interest disaster loans to Washington residents and businesses. The SBA provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private non-profit organizations and businesses of all sizes.
Advice for Aid Applicants
Disaster assistance is not designed to replace everything that was lost. It cannot make people whole again. However, if you have applied to FEMA for assistance and have questions about the determination, call the FEMA Helpline (1-800-621-3362). Helpline operators can tell you what you need to send to FEMA to update your information. Applicants have the right to appeal the decision.
For example, if an applicant has insurance, the insurance company must settle before certain types of disaster assistance can be considered. As soon as you have your insurance determination, you can mail or fax a copy to be considered for further aid. The denial letter from FEMA has instructions for responding once you have your settlement information. You can also call the Helpline for instructions.
If you were sent an application for an SBA loan, fill it out and send it in. If your application is turned down by SBA, you may be eligible for further assistance. Anyone with questions about an SBA loan or who needs help with the application should call 1-800-659-2955 for SBA assistance or visit the website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
SBA is the federal governments primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Jan-2008 15:47:40