One Week Left to Register for Disaster Assistance

OLYMPIA— Time has almost run out for Washington residents affected by the January severe winterstorm, landslides, mudslid es and flooding to register for federal assistance. Residents who suffered losseshave until Tuesday, March 31, 2009, to apply for federal and state disaster assistance. To register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), call the toll-free number, 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) (TTY 1-800-462-7585). Phone lines are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Registration is also available online any time at www.disasterassistance.gov. Tuesday, March 31, 2009, is also the deadline for homeowners, renters and businesses to return completed disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Being denied anSBA loan is a prerequisite for homeowners and renters to receive certain types of federal and state grants. Residents with disaster damage are urged to submit an application for an SBA loan, even if they do not want the loan. “Too many people deny themselves extra assistance by failing to turn in an SBA loan application,” saidState Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin. “Even if a homeowner or renter does not want a loan, they should return the application. It is not necessary to take out a loan if accepted, and further assistance is impossible if they do not.” Residents in the following designated counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance: Benton, Cowlitz, Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom. Once registered, applicants can track the status of their cases by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA or at the website, http://www.disasterassistance.gov/. "Maybe some have not registered because they have insurance and assume they are not eligible for FEMA assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn. "It costs nothing to register, and it is the only way to find out if assistance is available." Nunn said there is no need to wait for an insurance settlement before registering. FEMA will not make a final determination of eligibility until all insurance claims have been settled. "That may not happen until after the registration deadline," Nunn said.