One Week Remains To Register For Federal Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: November 7, 2007
Release Number: 1717-065

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ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Residents of southeastern Minnesota affected by the August severe storms and flooding have one week left to register for federal disaster assistance, according to officials from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The deadline to register for federal disaster assistance is Wednesday, Nov. 14. Residents in seven Minnesota counties may be eligible for assistance for damages from the severe storms and flooding that prompted a presidential disaster declaration on Aug. 23. The designated counties are Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha and Winona.

Those affected by the severe storms and flooding can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT Monday -Friday and closed Veterans Day, Nov. 12. Individuals can also register online at www.fema.gov.

Individual Assistance is available for homeowners and renters to help replace losses not fully covered by insurance. It can include rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable; grants to repair homes and replace essential household items to make damaged dwellings safe and sanitary; and grants to meet serious disaster-related needs not covered by other programs.

Residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help them recover from the disaster, including loans to replace damaged property not fully covered by insurance or grants. In addition, small businesses may receive loans to help provide working capital to recover from the disaster’s economic impact. SBA loan applications must also be returned by the Nov. 14 deadline.

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: Wednesday, 07-Nov-2007 07:36:11