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Five days remain to register for federal disaster assistance

August 18, 2011 |

Five days remain for Massachusetts disaster survivors to register for federal disaster assistance.

Survivors must register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and return their U.S. Small Business Administration loan applications by Monday, Aug. 22, to be considered for FEMA and SBA disaster assistance.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), FEMA and its federal partners encourage any person or business owner who had storm-related damage to their home, vehicle, personal property, or business as a result of the June 1 severe storms and tornadoes to register with FEMA as soon as possible.

Anyone in Hampden and Worcester counties who was impacted by the severe storms and tornadoes should apply for assistance, regardless of whether a survivor has insurance or is unsure if they are eligible. Survivors should still contact their insurance companies and file necessary claims.

Disaster assistance may include rental payments for temporary housing, grants for home repairs, replacement of essential household items and personnel property items as well as disaster related medical, dental, funeral and transportation needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state or charitable aid programs.

Anyone who has not registered with FEMA for disaster aid, and has questions about an application or needs more information about recovery programs, should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call (TTY) 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and provides multilingual assistance. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Monday, August 22, is the deadline for filing an application for a low-interest disaster loan with the Small Business Administration. While survivors are not required to accept a disaster loan, completing the SBA application is a necessary process, for possible additional funding from FEMA.