Final Weekend for Mainers to Register for Disaster Assistance
Release Date: July 6, 2007
Release Number: 1691/93-024
» More Information on Maine Severe Storms and Inland and Coastal Flooding
Augusta, Maine - This is the final weekend for Maine residents and business owners who sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding occurring April 15 - 23 to apply for federal disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The application deadline is 6 p.m. Monday, July 9. Aid available may include grants for temporary housing and home repair, funds for replacement of damaged or destroyed property, and low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
"If your home or business suffered damage in April's nor'easter, give FEMA a call and apply," said Ginnie Ricker, state coordinating officer of the Maine Emergency Management Agency. "More than 1,800 residents have applied for aid, but with just four days left, it is important that anyone who has not registered with FEMA do so now."
There are two ways to apply for federal disaster aid. Residents may call FEMA's toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment. Both numbers are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Residents with Internet access have the option to apply on the agencys Web site at www.fema.gov. Valuable recovery information is also available on the Web site.
"With the deadline for federal aid looming, we want to encourage anyone with flood damage to call us and register," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis. "Even if you have insurance, or don't think you will receive aid, call and register. FEMA has several different disaster aid programs available to help people recover."
In addition to FEMA assistance, the SBA administers a low-interest loan program for uninsured or underinsured disaster-related losses to homeowners and businesses of all sizes. SBA loan applications are also due on July 9. Even individuals who do not believe they will qualify for loans or are not interested in a low-interest loan are encouraged to submit an application with the SBA. For more about SBA loans call 1-800-659-2955.
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: Friday, 06-Jul-2007 14:57:37