After Calling To Register, Return SBA Application 

Release Date: April 17, 2006
Release Number: 1631-037

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

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Victims of the recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding of March 11-13 and March 30-April 3, 2006, who receive a loan application from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) should take the time to fill it out, urge disaster recovery officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), SBA and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA.)

Most homeowners and renters who register for assistance online at www.fema.gov/assistance/ or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 will receive a packet containing the SBA loan application.

“If the SBA is unable to make you a disaster loan, the applicant may be referred to FEMA's other needs assistance (ONA) program,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. Costello of FEMA.

FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and normally will not compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, FEMA may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other help may come in the form of low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. The loans are available to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes that were affected by the disaster. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA based on each applicant's financial condition.

“We urge anyone who sustained losses to register for assistance with FEMA and mail in the completed SBA loan application as soon as possible,” said State Coordinating Officer Ron Reynolds of SEMA.

Even if you do not feel you can afford a loan, the SBA loan application must be completed and returned. Those who cannot qualify for a loan must be turned down by the SBA before they will be considered for additional grants or other assistance programs.

Information on SBA loan applications is available by calling the SBA helpline at 1-800-659-2955 or visiting the SBA Website at www.SBA.gov/disaster .

Help in completing the SBA loan application is also available by visiting one of the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) locations:

DRCs are open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 a.m.; Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. and CLOSED SUNDAYS.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Monday, 17-Apr-2006 16:32:11