FEMA Registration Deadline of October 6 Nears

PINE RIDGE, S.D. – The Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are reminding those impacted by the May 8-29 storms that the deadline to register for disaster assistance is right around the corner.  The deadline date is October 6. 

Registration is the first step to receiving disaster assistance.  Individuals can register in person at the Disaster Recovery Center at the SuAnne Big Crow Recreational Center, 1 Positive Pl. – E HWY 18, Pine Ridge. The DRC is open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Individuals can also register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362 or going online to www.disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 1-800-462-7585; if you use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) call 1-800-621-3362.  The registration line is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. until further notice. 

Even if residents previously registered with the tribe, with a voluntary agency, or provided damage reports they must still register with FEMA to access federal disaster assistance programs.  It is also important, when registering to provide an accurate count of the number of persons living in the home, so that FEMA can provide appropriate assistance; this includes persons with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.  Residents living in tribal housing should also register if they had disaster related damage to personal property.