Tropical Storm Debby survivors have two weeks remaining to register for federal disaster assistance, federal officials have announced.
Applications must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 4, to be considered for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration, a news release points out.
“All survivors who had storm-related damage to their home, vehicle, personal property, business or its inventory between June 23 and July 26 should register for assistance,” the release adds.
Federal disaster assistance helps eligible applicants with temporary housing, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs, the release notes.
Anyone who has not registered with FEMA for disaster aid, has questions about an application or needs more information about recovery programs should call FEMA’s toll-free help line at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and assistance is available in many languages, the news release says.
Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
Survivors must register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance even if they have contacted the state, their local emergency management agency, the American Red Cross or other charitable organizations, the news release points out.
Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing) or by going online at www.SBA.gov. They also may apply for disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applications are due Sept. 4.