Only Two Weeks Left to Apply
Release Date: March 17, 2008
Release Number: 1740-030
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms and Flooding
LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Indiana residents and business owners in the 21 counties included in the presidential disaster declaration have until March 31 to register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Eligible residents and business owners who sustained damage from storms and flooding that began during the period Jan. 7 and continuing, should register for disaster assistance immediately, said officials from FEMA and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS).
Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses to real and personal property also must be submitted by March 31.
"We want people to understand that this deadline is for new disaster applications," said Mike Smith, Federal Coordinating Officer. "For those who already have applied, their cases will continue to be processed. New applications will not be accepted after the March 31 deadline."
Federal and state disaster recovery officials urge eligible residents who have not done so to apply as soon as possible by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or, for the speech or hearing impaired, TTY 1-800-462-7585. Individuals also may register for disaster assistance at the FEMA website
www.fema.gov
.
Applicants who have questions about the disaster assistance programs or questions about the status of their previously filed applications should continue to use FEMA's toll-free Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
To date, more than 2,400 Indiana residents have applied for disaster assistance. The total disaster funds approved for individuals affected by the disaster now tops $12 million, which includes approximately $6 million in low-interest SBA disaster loans for individuals and businesses.
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.
