ANNISTON – If you are a survivor of the tornadoes and severe storms that struck Alabama’s Calhoun, Cullman and Etowah counties March 19-20, you have a week to register for federal disaster assistance. The registration deadline is Monday, June 25 at 11:59 p.m.
As a homeowner or renter, registering with FEMA makes it possible for you to be considered for grants to help pay for home repairs, temporary housing and may help pay for disaster-related expenses such as replacing lost furniture, auto repairs for damage caused by the storms.
FEMA offers three ways for you and other disaster survivors to get help: register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov; call 800-621-3362; or download the FEMA app from your cell phone’s app store and register.
If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time every day.
FEMA will ask for the following information so have it handy when you call:
- The telephone number(s) where you can be reached
- The address where you were living at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying currently (if different)
- Your Social Security number. If you are applying with another person, such as a spouse, you will need their social security number, too
- A general description of damage to property and other losses
- If the property is insured, the name of your insurance company and policy number
- Bank account routing information for direct deposit of funds
After you register, you will be informed by letter in about 7-10 days as to your eligibility. Be sure to read the entire letter all the way through. If you are being awarded a grant, the letter will state how much you will receive. If you are found to be ineligible for FEMA assistance, the reason why will be given.
If you are ineligible and you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you are encouraged to appeal the decision.
If the SBA informs you by telephone that you are eligible to apply for a low-interest disaster loan, it’s important that you fill it out and return it by June 25. Returning an SBA application is essential to receiving additional forms of disaster assistance from FEMA if you are not granted a loan. Remember, however, if you are approved for a loan, you are under no obligation to accept it.
SBA is the largest source of federal disaster funds for repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed property. SBA is the largest source of federal disaster funds for repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed property. Businesses, homeowners and renters have until Monday, June 25, to return their completed SBA applications for physical damages.
Survivors must still register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance.
For more information on disaster recovery, visit Alabama Emergency Management online at EMA.Alabama.gov and Twitter: @AlabamaEMA . You also can follow FEMA on Twitter: @femaregion4, Instagram: @fema, and Facebook: @FEMA.
