One Month Remains to Register for FEMA Assistance 

Release Date: September 28, 2007
Release Number: 1722-017

» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Illinois residents and business owners in disaster-declared Stephenson and Winnebago counties who sustained damage during severe storms and flooding Aug. 7 and 8, have only one month to register for disaster assistance, said officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

Oct. 29, 2007, is the last day applications will be accepted for Individual Assistance. Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses to real and personal property also must be submitted by that date.

"We want people to understand that this deadline is for new disaster applications," said Tony Russell, Federal Coordinating Officer. "For those who already have applied, their cases will continue to be processed. New applications will not be accepted after the Oct. 29 deadline."

Federal and state disaster recovery officials urge eligible residents who have not done so to apply as soon as possible by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or, for the speech or hearing impaired, TTY 1-800-462-7585. Individuals also may register for disaster assistance at the FEMA website www.fema.gov.

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 Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.  

To date, nearly 1100 Illinois residents have applied for disaster assistance. More than $1.8 million in disaster funds has been approved for individuals affected by the disaster, including more than $400,000.00 in disaster loans from SBA.

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, 01-Oct-2007 08:12:44