FEMA Registration Available Two Ways for Residents in 18 Iowa Counties 

Release Date: June 15, 2008
Release Number: 1763-020

» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Residents in 18 Iowa counties are now eligible for federal Individual Assistance programs offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Anyone in those counties who suffered damage from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning May 25 and continuing, can register with FEMA either online or by phone.

As of June 14, the Iowa counties eligible for federal Individual Assistance include Adams, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Johnson, Linn, Marion, Page, Story, Tama and Union counties.

Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations can register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments, or they can register online anytime at www.fema.gov. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

By registering, applicants can be considered for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Assistance could include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious, necessary disaster-related expenses such as damaged personal property, medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest loans from the SBA also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Residents are encouraged to register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA does not duplicate insurance payments or pay deductibles, but applicants may be eligible for assistance with serious, necessary expenses not covered by insurance. Those who find themselves under-insured may be reconsidered after claims have been settled.

Registration with FEMA is required separately from registration with any other disaster relief organizations. When registering, applicants should provide current contact information, insurance information, a brief description of damage sustained as well as the specific location of damaged property.

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.

Last Modified: Sunday, 15-Jun-2008 15:35:24