This Is It: Only Four Days Left to Register for Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: October 27, 2008
Release Number: 1763-204

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

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The final call has sounded for Iowans to register for federal and state individual disaster assistance.

October 31 is the last day registrations for individual assistance grants will be accepted, according to officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Rebuild Iowa Office (RIO).

"This is the final chance for Iowans affected by this year's severe weather to register for federal and state assistance," said Gov. Chet Culver. "The individual assistance program is here to help. I encourage all Iowans affected by this year's disasters to get online or make the call to register if they have not already done so."

Iowans have four days left to register for federal and state grants to help with uninsured costs they incurred as a result of the tornadoes, floods and severe storms that affected most of the state over the summer.  They can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585, or register on-line at FEMA.gov.  The phone registration hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

These resources can also be used to ask questions about or check the status of previously filed applications and to find out about appeals.

As the result of a federal disaster declaration, Iowans in 78 counties are eligible to register for federal and state aid related to the tornadoes, severe storms and floods across the state from May 25 through Aug. 13.

"FEMA extended the original deadline for an additional month to ensure individuals had every opportunity to register for disaster assistance," said Bill Vogel, FEMA's federal coordinating officer. "It's definitely in your best interest to make the effort to register before it's too late."

To date, more than 39,460 Iowans have registered and more than $131.9 million has been granted in federal and state aid to individual registrants.

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: Tuesday, 28-Oct-2008 15:22:28