Texas County Emergency Management urges residents affected by the May 8 storm to register for assistance.
Residents in 28 counties who suffered property damage or loss from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 8 through 16 can register for federal disaster assistance.
Registration is available at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
To complete an application, the following information is necessary: a phone number, address of the damaged property, brief description of damages, Social Security number, any insurance information and current mailing address.
“Don’t prejudge your eligibility – call or apply online,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Tom Hall. “Even if you have already reported damage to local officials or the American Red Cross, you must do so again with FEMA to be considered for assistance.”
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, in addition to grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. The U.S. Small Business Administration may make available disaster loans for up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate victims for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance.
Residents who applied for disaster assistance and are not insured can expect to hear from an inspector who will schedule a visit to look at damaged property. FEMA schedules inspections within seven to 10 days to verify losses. The U.S. Small Business Administration also sends loss verifiers to inspect damaged property of those who have submitted completed loan applications. And local building and safety inspectors may come to see if damaged structures are safe. All of these inspectors should have photo identification.