Storm victims urged to keep in touch with FEMA
Published 11:07 am Friday, October 29, 2010
If you suffered damage from Tropical Storm Nicole, register for disaster assistance and keep in touch.
Homeowners and renters in 10 North Carolina counties who have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal and state disaster assistance need to keep information current. Accurate and complete information will assist in timely delivery of assistance.
All registered applicants receive a letter from FEMA explaining their eligibility for disaster assistance along with the booklet “Help After a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program.” They may also receive a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
If applicants have questions after registering for assistance or need to provide additional documentation, they can visit a Disaster Recovery Center for in-person help from the state, FEMA and SBA.
Applicants can always call the toll-free FEMA Helpline. When calling the Helpline, applicants should have their registration number available. To register or reach the Helpline call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.
By phone or at a center applicants can:
Update their file with a change of address or new phone number;
Ask questions about disaster-related assistance;
Track the progress of their FEMA application;
Get information about the inspection process; and
Learn about the steps to appeal a FEMA decision.
Residents living in Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Craven, Hertford, Jones, Onslow, Pender, Pitt and Tyrrell counties who sustained damage as a result of severe storms and flooding associated with remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole may be eligible for assistance.
Recovery specialists staff the Helpline from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week to answer disaster related questions. In addition to registering for assistance, residents can also check the status of their application by going online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.