Only Hours Remain: Oct. 31 is the Deadline to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: October 30, 2008
Release Number: 1763-208

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

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowans have just hours remaining to register for federal individual disaster assistance for damages wrought by this summer's tornadoes, flooding and severe storms.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Rebuild Iowa Office urge Iowans who sustained disaster-related damages to call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362); TTY 1-800-462-7585 by 11 p.m. on October 31 in order to be eligible for federal assistance. Iowans with Internet access have the option to register on the agency's Web site at www.fema.gov where valuable recovery information is also available. Registration with FEMA is also required to be eligible for assistance through the state's Jumpstart Housing Assistance Program, which continues after Oct. 31.

October 31 is also the deadline for Iowa residents and businesses to apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover disaster-related real and personal property losses. For information on these low-interest disaster loans call the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.

Altogether, the registration period extended over 158 days, from May 27 to Oct. 31.  So far, more than 39,500 Iowans have registered for disaster assistance. More than $132 million in FEMA and state assistance has been approved to temporarily displaced households or help with necessary expenses unmet by other programs.

Even though the registration period ends today, help is still available for those who have already registered. Anyone seeking information about their request for disaster assistance many call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. For TTY, call  1-800-462-7585.

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: Thursday, 30-Oct-2008 11:41:26