30 Days Left for Ala. Residents to Register for Disaster Assistance

Alabamians who suffered damages from Hurricane Katrina have 30 days left to register for disaster assistance, according to state and federal officials. March 11 is the last day to register.

Homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage from the hurricane are urged to call the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teleregistration number toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired.

Both lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. March 11 is also the deadline for returning the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application.

Applicants with access to a computer can also register online by entering the FEMA Web site at www.fema.gov. Look for and click on the words “Apply online ( Online Individual Assistance Center )” located at the top right side of the page.

Those who were affected by Katrina may qualify for help under a wide-range of federal and state programs. These include temporary disaster housing assistance; SBA low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses; and assistance for disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

“Fellow Alabamians who need federal assistance and have not yet registered with FEMA should call the teleregistration number before the March 11 deadline,” said Bruce Baughman, state coordinating officer for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. “It’s crucial to get into the system before the deadline in order to qualify and receive federal and state aid.”

To date, more than 114,000 applications for assistance have been received by FEMA and the state of Alabama .

“Those who had uninsured or underinsured losses as a result of the hurricane should register without delay,” said Michael Bolch, federal coordinating officer. “Even if you already repaired the damage, replaced the property, or received partial reimbursement from your insurance company, make the call before the March 11 date. Registering with FEMA will also determine what housing assistance you may qualify for.”