Bob Josephson, FEMA Region VII External Affairs Officer, has asked that the following information be made available to victims of the Joplin tornado on May 22.
Although we are miles from the disaster area, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has asked that we disseminate important disaster assistance information to survivors in the Joplin area, to ensure the public knows they can register for assistance
There are three ways to register with FEMA for assistance:
1. Online at www.disaster assistance.gov;
2. By phone: 800-621-FEMA (3362); TTY, 800-462-7585; and
3. Smartphone: m.fema.gov.
In addition, FEMA will continue to be available for the weeks to come, working in partnership with state and local officials to provide information on registering for disaster assistance for storm and flood damage.
State and federal disaster officials helping people recover from the recent severe storms, floods and tornadoes in Butler, Cape Girardeau, Howell, Jasper, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Pulaski, Scott, St. Louis, Stoddard, Stone, Taney, and Ripley counties have some tips to speed disaster assistance.
Register Now: The disaster recovery process begins by registering with FEMA. The process is free, takes about 20 minutes and is available three ways. Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov Those with smartphones may register through http://m.FEMA. gov; click “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance,” and you will be directed to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
If you prefer to register by phone, the toll-free FEMA registration line is 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY call 800-462-7585; or use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) to call 1-800-621-3362. Telephone registration is available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Have some information ready when you register. When you call the FEMA number, you will need your current address, the address of the damaged property, contact information where FEMA can reach you, social security number, household composition, insurance, and income information.
Register, even if you are insured. Your insurance may not cover everything and some damage may not show up until later. Do not wait until you have settled with your insurer to register with FEMA.
After Registering:
Return all forms promptly. You may receive a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan application package in the mail. Even if you are not interested in a loan, complete the loan package and return it promptly. The SBA application is a necessary step to being considered for some other forms of disaster assistance. If you have questions about SBA programs, call 800-659-2955 or visit www.sba.gov.
Remember, disaster assistance covers a wide range of losses. Disaster-related damage or loss of personal property, may qualify for some form of federal assistance. Let FEMA determine your eligibility; don’t disqualify yourself.
Stay in touch and keep appointments after you have registered. A contracted FEMA inspector will make an appointment to visit your property. Make every effort to meet the inspector on site. Call 800-621-3362, and choose the Helpline option if you need to change the appointment. All FEMA inspectors have photo ID FEMA badges. Do not hesitate to ask to see proof of identification if it is not apparent. There are no fees for FEMA inspections.
Stay Informed:
Stay informed by accessing important disaster assistance information and resources on FEMA’s new mobile website. Access critical information regarding disaster recovery and emergency preparedness directly from your Smartphone at http://m.fema.gov/.
You may access disaster information and recovery resources directly from your smartphone at FEMA’s mobile website at http://m.fema.gov/.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.
These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
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.
