As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid to Hoosiers Continues 

Release Date: April 27, 2012
Release Number: 4058-038

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the May 8 deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance quickly approaches, aid continues for Indiana residents and communities affected by severe storms that occurred from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that, as of April 26, $1,431,643 has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,420 registrations have been received. Homes are being inspected within 36 hours of registration, and 614 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has thus far approved more than $2 million in low-interest disaster loans. Today, SBA reports $2,016,600 have been approved for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. Forty loans have been approved thus far, and more approvals are anticipated. The agency has issued 1,062 home loan applications and 137 business loan applications.

May 8 is the last day to register for FEMA Individual Assistance.

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the toll-free telephone registration number (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line individuals may call to ask questions and verify their registration. For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

• Online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; and
• by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Friday, 27-Apr-2012 16:15:46