Three Weeks Remain to Register for FEMA Assistance
Release Date: December 11, 2006
Release Number: 1668-032
» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding
ALEXANDRIA, La. -- Louisiana residents and business owners in the 17 disaster-declared parishes who sustained damage during the severe storms and flooding that occurred Oct. 16 through Nov. 8 have only three weeks to apply for disaster assistance, said officials of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Jan. 2, 2007 is the last day applications will be accepted for individuals and families. Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses to homes, businesses and personal property must also be submitted by that date. Federal and state disaster recovery officials urge those who have not applied to do so as soon as possible by calling the toll-free application number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) , or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 only for the speech or hearing impaired. Individuals may also register for disaster assistance online at www.fema.gov.
"We want people to understand that this deadline is for new disaster applications," said Lee Champagne, federal coordinating officer. "For those who already have applied, their cases will continue to be processed. New applications will not be accepted after the January 2 deadline."
After the application deadline, FEMA's toll-free phone lines will still be available to assist those who have already registered. Applicants who have questions about the disaster assistance programs or questions about the status of their previously filed applications should continue to use FEMA's toll-free number.
"To date, 3,573 individuals have applied for disaster assistance in Louisiana ," said Col. Tom Kirkpatrick, state coordinating officer.
More than $5 million in disaster funds have been approved for individuals impacted by the disaster, including more than $1.8 million in disaster loans from SBA.
FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, if FEMA referred an applicant to SBA the applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 11-Dec-2006 11:56:53