Katy Sun - News
Deadline for Ike assistance extended to Dec. 12
The deadline for renters, homeowners and business owners in Fort Bend County to apply for state and federal disaster assistance for damage caused by Hurricane Ike has been extended to Dec. 12.
"We've extended the registration deadline to allow people more time to register for assistance," Sandy Coachman, FEMA's federal coordinating officer, said in a release. "If you had damage or uninsured losses and have not yet registered, you can do so online at www.fema.gov or by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing."
Both numbers are available 24 hours, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are also available.
Assistance to individuals could include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available for homeowners, renters and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property.
"If you had damage, you must register with FEMA by December 12. Don't prejudge yourself or feel that you may be taking something away from your neighbor," State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun said in a statement. "We want to make every effort to reach all the Texans and ensure that they receive assistance for eligible losses."
"After you register, an inspector will call to make arrangements to visit your damaged home or apartment," Coachman said. "Ask for identification when an inspector arrives. FEMA and SBA inspectors all have photo identification badges and there is no fee for their inspections.”
Applicants are reminded to keep their FEMA information updated, but not to register twice. Duplicate registrations will delay processing an application.
"We've extended the registration deadline to allow people more time to register for assistance," Sandy Coachman, FEMA's federal coordinating officer, said in a release. "If you had damage or uninsured losses and have not yet registered, you can do so online at www.fema.gov or by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing."
Both numbers are available 24 hours, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are also available.
Assistance to individuals could include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available for homeowners, renters and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property.
"If you had damage, you must register with FEMA by December 12. Don't prejudge yourself or feel that you may be taking something away from your neighbor," State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun said in a statement. "We want to make every effort to reach all the Texans and ensure that they receive assistance for eligible losses."
"After you register, an inspector will call to make arrangements to visit your damaged home or apartment," Coachman said. "Ask for identification when an inspector arrives. FEMA and SBA inspectors all have photo identification badges and there is no fee for their inspections.”
Applicants are reminded to keep their FEMA information updated, but not to register twice. Duplicate registrations will delay processing an application.
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