Four Days Remain To Register For Fema Assistance 

Release Date: December 29, 2006
Release Number: 1668-050

» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding

ALEXANDRIA, La. -- Louisiana residents have only four more days to apply for disaster assistance. Those residents who suffered damages during the severe storms and flooding that occurred Oct. 16 through Nov. 8 must register by Jan. 2, 2007, said officials of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).

Jan. 2, 2007 is the last day applications will be accepted for Individual Assistance. Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses to homes, businesses and personal property must also be submitted by that date. Federal and state disaster recovery officials urge those who have not applied to do so as soon as possible by calling the toll-free application number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 only for the speech or hearing impaired. Individuals may also register for disaster assistance online at www.fema.gov.

After the application deadline, FEMA’s toll-free phone lines will still be available to assist those who have already registered. Applicants who have questions about the disaster assistance programs or questions about the status of their previously filed applications should continue to use FEMA’s toll-free number.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, if FEMA referred an applicant to SBA the applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Friday, 29-Dec-2006 14:20:17