FEMA disaster assistance deadline nears

ATLANTA — Only three weeks remain for Georgians affected by Hurricane Michael to register for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Even people who think they don’t qualify because they have insurance or too little damage may still be eligible for assistance. Registering is the only way to find out. FEMA officials note that the Dec. 13 deadline is approaching, so anyone who hasn’t registered should do so as soon as possible.

FEMA Housing Assistance grants may cover rental assistance, home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. Other Needs Assistance grants may be available to replace personal property and help meet disaster-related medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable-aid programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and certain private nonprofit organizations for losses not covered by insurance.

The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace a primary residence and up to $40,000 to renters and homeowners to repair or replace personal property damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Up to $2 million may be available for businesses for uncompensated disaster losses.

Register with FEMA before Dec. 13 – don’t miss the deadline. Register by going online to www.disasterassistance.gov/ or by calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available; press 2 for a Spanish language operator. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Also, visit any DRC in any state for assistance. To find the location of all open DRCs, use the FEMA Mobile app or visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC.

Christopher Mardorf