Deadline To Register For Assistance Fast Approaching; Disaster Recovery Center Closing
Release Date: October 20, 2008
Release Number: 1763-199
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowans impacted by the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes have less than two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance.
The final day to register is Friday, October 31.
Iowans can still register at the Linn County Disaster Recovery Center, which is located at Westdale Mall, 2600 Edgewood Road S.W., in Cedar Rapids. However, that center will close Saturday, October 25.
Iowans who suffered damages in the declared counties may also register two other ways. One way is to call FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362); TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (CDT), seven days a week until further notice, and multilingual operators are also available to answer calls. Iowans with Internet access have the option to register on the agency's website at www.fema.gov where valuable recovery information is also available.
When applying for help, those who have been affected should have the following information available:
- Current phone number or numbers;
- Address at the time of the disaster and the address where they are now staying;
- Social Security number, if available;
- If insured, the name of the company or agent and the policy number;
- General financial information, and
- Bank account codes, which are printed on checks, if they wish to get direct deposit.
Those applying for assistance will be given a registration number to use throughout the claims process, so they should have a pen and paper ready.
More important tips:
- Only one person per household or business should register for assistance and he/she should register only once. More than one registration for the same property will delay the process until the situation is clarified.
- Iowans should contact an insurance agent to file any insurance claim. Having insurance information available will speed up the process of cross-checking that information.
- An inspector will contact those registering for an appointment to inspect their property. Applicants should make arrangements to meet the inspector and allow sufficient time to answer questions. Assistance may be delayed if registrants do not meet the inspector.
- Residents forced from their homes by disaster damage may register for rental assistance to relocate temporarily while repairs are made. Reimbursement may be available for hotel bills if the home was uninhabitable, so Iowans are encouraged to save their receipts.
- Impacted Iowans should document losses by saving receipts from bills they have paid to repair their property or replace essential possessions. Those registering for assistance should take photographs and videotape, if possible.
- To check the status of an application for assistance or amend an application, contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Disaster assistance for individuals may include:
- Grants to help pay for temporary housing and home repairs to make a home habitable
- Grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance
- Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters and business owners to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance
Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses to and personal property and businesses of all sizes must also be submitted by October 31. Failure to complete and return an SBA loan application will stop consideration for other assistance programs, including additional grants.
SBA disaster help and information is available by calling SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by visiting the SBA's website at www.sba.gov/disasterassistance. The TTY phone number is (800) 877-8339.
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, 27-Oct-2008 15:10:57