One Month Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: August 29, 2008
Release Number: 1763-178

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

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The clock is ticking on eligibility for federal disaster assistance.

Iowans have one month left to register for federal and state grants to help with uninsured costs they incurred as a result of the tornadoes, floods and severe storms that affected most of the state over the summer.

The last day applications for individual assistance grants will be accepted, according to officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD), is Sept. 29.

"I encourage all Iowans who have been affected by this year's severe weather to register for federal and state assistance," said Gov. Chet Culver. "The individual assistance program is here to help, and although the deadline is fast approaching, there is still time for Iowans to utilize this important program."

Sept. 29 is also the deadline to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a loan to cover disaster-related losses to real and personal property.

As the result of a federal disaster declaration, Iowans in 78 counties are eligible to register for federal and state aid related to the tornadoes, severe storms and floods across the state from May 25 through Aug. 13.

"You may think now that you don't need assistance, but you may later have unexpected expenses," said Bill Vogel, FEMA's federal coordinating officer. "It's definitely in your best interest to get your name in the system before the Sept. 29 deadline. because after that date, it's too late."

Individuals can register by telephone or online at www.fema.gov. To register by phone, call toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. These resources can also be used to ask questions about or check the status of previously filed applications and to find out about appeals.

Information about SBA programs is available by calling 800-659-2955 or online at www.sba.gov.

To date, more than 37,497 Iowans have registered for disaster assistance and more than $424.8 million in state and federal assistance has been approved.

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: Friday, 29-Aug-2008 15:21:18