PIERRE, SD -- Today is the last day for South Dakotans to file claims for disaster aid with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This is also the last day to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for physical damage from this year’s floods.
“Since August 23, more than 1,700 individuals and businesses have registered with us for disaster assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gary Stanley of FEMA. “However, today is the last day for South Dakotans to apply with us, by phone or online. We want to encourage anyone who has physical damage from the floods, or thinks they may, to register with us before the end of the day.”
Homeowners, renters and businesses in Charles Mix, Hughes, Stanley, Union and Yankton counties may be eligible for assistance from FEMA. They can register for it by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, by going online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or through a Web-enabled mobile device or Smartphone by going to m.fema.gov.
SBA offers low-interest federal disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations to help pay for repair or replacement of disaster-damaged property. Those interested may apply online via SBA’s secure Web site at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. SBA information and assistance is also available by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or on SBA’s Web site www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
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.