FEMA aid deadline one week away
Friday, January 1, 1904
WHAT TO DOTo register with FEMA, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov. The hearing impaired can call TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free helpline operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.To apply for a federal loan from the Small Business Administration, call 800-659-2955 or visit www.sba.govBEFORE YOU APPLYHave the following information available:* The address of the affected property* A brief description of the damage* A current mailing address* Social Security number* Insurance information, including policy numbers* A contact number or alternate such as a cell phone or work numberBY THE NUMBERSTotal FEMA registrations and money approved as of Aug. 2 in Southeastern Tennessee:* Bledsoe -- 111; $429,272 approved* Bradley -- 1,588; more than $1.2 million approved* Hamilton -- 2,369; $1.5 million approved* Monroe -- 284; $170,444 approved* Rhea -- 64; $327,044 approved
The clock is ticking down for those needing to apply for storm recovery assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The deadline is just a week away - Tuesday.
Though at least 4,500 people in Eastern Tennessee's tornado-stricken counties have registered with the federal disaster relief organization, there are still storm victims who haven't taken the first step toward federal aid, FEMA officials say.
"Often people have applied for disaster assistance, but they may have gotten a letter stating they were denied at the time or needed to provide more information. Those people should inquire about the status of their application," said Susan Solomon, FEMA public information officer.
Other residents and business owners may not have returned their Small Business Administration loan applications, which also are due Tuesday.
Homeowners, business owners and renters with storm-damaged property all are eligible for relief, even if they are covered by insurance, FEMA officials emphasize.
Even those who already have made repairs still may be eligible for reimbursement for their expenses.
Drivers with storm-damaged vehicles that are covered by liability insurance but not comprehensive insurance also are eligible for help.
Initial registration with FEMA takes no paperwork and requires a phone call that takes about 30 minutes.
Applicants generally receive a response from FEMA within 10 days after registering. Anyone who has not received mail from FEMA more than 10 days after registration should call the organization.