Register with FEMA for storm assistance

Although survivors of Arkansas' recent storms, tornadoes and floods have a variety of assistance options available to them, it's essential that they register directly with FEMA if they want to be considered for federal disaster assistance, say emergency management officials.

"Even if you registered with the state, the American Red Cross or any other organization, you still need to contact FEMA," said State Coordinating Officer David Maxwell of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. "There are federal dollars available to eligible Arkansans, so take the time to register with FEMA today."

It is recommended that Arkansans who registered for FEMA assistance in 2008 - or during any previous natural disaster - file new registrations as well.

Arkansans can register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov, or by telephone via FEMA's toll-free numbers: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Specialists are available by phone from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

"If you're at all uncertain about whether you've applied for FEMA assistance, please verify your registration status. Call us, check online or visit one of our recovery centers so you're confident you're in our system," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy M. Casper.

Federal aid is available under FEMA's Individual Assistance program to eligible Arkansans in Benton, Boone, Clay, Crittenden, Cross, Faulkner, Garland, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lonoke, Madison, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, Phillips, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Washington, White and Woodruff counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and to cover other serious disaster-related expenses, such as medical/dental and funeral/burial costs. FEMA registration is also the gateway to potential low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.