Only One Week Remaining To Apply For Disaster Assistance 

Application Period Ends Tuesday, June 26

Release Date: June 18, 2007
Release Number: 1695-026

» More Information on New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- Only one week remains for New Hampshire residents and business owners who sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding occurring April 15 - 23 to apply for disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is June 26.

"For individuals who have already applied, their cases will continue to be processed," said Albie Lewis, federal coordinating officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  "We want people to understand that Tuesday, June 26th, is merely the end of the application period, which started April 27 when President Bush issued the major disaster declaration."

Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses to real and personal property and businesses of all sizes must also be submitted by that date. SBA officials encourage anyone who has received a disaster loan application to turn it in as soon as possible.

"Even if you have insurance, you should apply by June 26th if your home or business suffered damage in April's nor'easter," Michael Poirier, state coordinating officer, New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said. "You may find that you still have needs after your insurance settlement and you may qualify for financial assistance in the form of a low-interest disaster loan or grant."

Federal and state disaster recovery officials urge those who have not done so to apply as soon as possible. There are two easy ways to begin the application process.  Residents may call FEMA's special toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment. Both numbers are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Residents with Internet access have the option to apply on the agency's Web site at www.fema.gov. Valuable recovery information is also available on the Web site.

Disaster officials also stated that residents waiting for a final insurance settlement should contact the FEMA Helpline at the same numbers above if their claim is paid or for any other updates to their claim information. If there have been changes to contact information, for instance, applicants should call the Helpline right away to ensure they receive their assistance as quickly as possible.

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: Monday, 18-Jun-2007 13:15:16