Time Running Out to Register With FEMA

PURVIS, Miss. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are reminding those affected by the February tornadoes and flooding that they have only a short time left to register for assistance.

The deadline for registering is April 15 for residents of Forrest, Greene, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Marion, Perry and Wayne counties.

Assistance is available for homeowners, renters and businesses who suffered loss or damage as a result of the disaster.

“The first step in getting help is registering with FEMA,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “Even if you signed up with state, county or local agencies, that doesn’t get you registered with FEMA. If you are unsure whether you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility.”

Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From a web-enabled cell phone or other wireless device, visit m.fema.gov.

Or call FEMA’s toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week, The TTY number is 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 1-800-621-3362. C-Spire Wireless customers may call #362 to reach the FEMA Helpline with questions or to register for assistance.

People who register may be sent a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA, but filling out the application is essential for qualifying for further federal assistance.

Applicants wish to take out an SBA loan may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website. The SBA toll-free number is (800)-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the website at www.sba.gov. The deadline for applying for an SBA loan is also April 15.

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recovery, visit www.msema.org, www.fema.gov/disaster/4101 and www.fema.gov/blog.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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