26 Counties in ND quailfy for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

 
Bismarck, N.D. - Residents of 26 counties can now use a toll-free application telephone number and on-line registration to apply for assistance recovering from damage caused by severe storms and flooding beginning March 13 and continuing.
President Barack Obama's March 24 emergency protective measure declaration has been expanded to include FEMA Individual Assistance for eligible applicants in the following counties: Adams, Barnes, Billings, Burleigh, Cass, Dickey, Emmons, Foster, Grand Forks, Griggs, Hettinger, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Mercer, Morton, Nelson, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman, Towner, Traill and Williams. Other counties may be added for Individual Assistance after further evaluation.
The Individual Assistance program includes a wide range of aid, including emergency home repair, temporary disaster housing, replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or assistance programs.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate eligible applicants for their entire losses. For those insured, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance companies.
State and federal officials encourage those affected by the disaster to apply for assistance immediately by calling this toll-free number, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free line will be in operation (times, days) until further notice. Residents can register online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov.
Officials remind affected residents they must register with FEMA at the above numbers or Web site to be eligible for federal assistance. Filing damage reports with state or county emergency managers or voluntary agencies will not start the federal disaster-assistance process.
When applying for help, be sure to have the following information available:

• Your current telephone number;
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you now are staying;
• Your Social Security number, if available;
• A general list of damages and losses you suffered;
• If insured, the name of your company or agent and your policy number;
• Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.

FEMA disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other help may come in the form of low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.
SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. SBA also offers low-interest working capital loans (called Economic Injury Disaster Loans) to small businesses and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the disaster.