November 18 Deadline Approaching 

Release Date: November 5, 2003
Release Number: 1492-64

» More Information on Maryland Hurricane Isabel

Baltimore, MD - November 18, 2003 is the last day to apply for federal and state disaster assistance. For those who have already applied and who have received a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application packet, November 18, 2003 is also the deadline to mail in the completed packet to the SBA.

The SBA loan application packet serves two purposes. First, to see if you qualify for an SBA disaster related loan, and second, if you don't qualify for a loan, to see if you qualify for additional disaster grants. The processing of some forms of disaster assistance, such as loans and certain grant referrals, stops until the completed packet is returned. If you don't return the packet, you are shutting off that further assistance without even learning what it might be.

For questions regarding SBA forms, or the status of your SBA application, you can call the U.S. Small Business Administration toll free at 1-800-659-2955.

To apply for disaster assistance, or check on the status of your disaster assistance application, you can call the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency toll-free registration and helpline number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or for the speech or hearing impaired TTY 1-800-462-7585.

You must apply for federal and state disaster assistance and mail the completed SBA application packet by the November 18, 2003 deadline to be considered for disaster grants and loans for damage caused by Hurricane Isabel.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 05-Nov-2003 07:58:57