One Month Remains To Register For Federal Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: September 22, 2007
Release Number: 1717-033

» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Residents of southeastern Minnesota affected by the August severe storms and flooding have one month left to register for federal disaster assistance, according to officials from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The deadline to register for federal disaster assistance is Monday, Oct. 22. Residents in seven Minnesota counties may be eligible for assistance for damages from the severe storms and flooding that prompted a presidential disaster declaration on Aug. 23. The designated counties are Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha and Winona.

Those affected by the severe storms and flooding can begin applying for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time) seven days a week. Individuals can also register online at www.fema.gov.

Individual Assistance is available for homeowners and renters to help replace losses not fully covered by insurance. It can include rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable; grants to repair homes and replace essential household items to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional; and grants to meet serious disaster-related needs not covered by other programs.

Residents and business owners may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help them recover from the disaster, including loans to recover from property losses not fully covered by insurance or grants. In addition, small businesses may receive loans to help provide working capital to recover from the disaster's economic impact. 

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, 24-Sep-2007 09:04:00