Two weeks left to register for FEMA assistance
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansans stricken by the storms, tornadoes and floods that rolled through the state from April 14 to June 3 should take note that they’ve got only two weeks left to register for assistance from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The registration deadline is Aug. 1 for residents of the 37 counties designated under the May 2 presidential disaster declaration.
“Time is running out for Arkansans who haven’t already registered,” said State Coordinating Officer David Maxwell of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. “We strongly encourage everyone in the 37 designated counties who’ve suffered losses to register quickly. That is the necessary first step toward getting their eligibility for assistance established.”
To date, more than 10,000 Arkansas individuals and families have registered with FEMA, opening the door to potential Individual Assistance grants from FEMA or low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In short, these grants and loans are designed to help eligible survivors repair their homes or businesses and repair or replace personal property.
Meanwhile, the registration date for residents of Franklin and Johnson counties, which received a separate disaster designation on July 8, is Sept. 6.
Residents wishing to register for assistance or check on their registration status can go online to www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov, or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. FEMA phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight local time seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.
“So far, FEMA and the SBA have approved grants and loans totaling more than $32 million for eligible Arkansas survivors,” said Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer W. Michael Moore. “Every one of these dollars has gone to help Arkansans get back on their feet after this disaster.”
