FEMA deadline for disaster assistance approaching; offices closing Oct. 31

From the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

Mississippi survivors of this year’s severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding have until Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA disaster assistance may be available to homeowners and renters with storm- and flood-damaged property in Clay, Humphreys, Issaquena, Lowndes, Monroe, Sharkey, Warren and Yazoo counties.

“We want people to understand that this deadline is for new disaster applications,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Joe Girot. “For those who already have applied, their cases will continue to be processed. New applications will not be accepted after Nov. 19.”

Disaster Recovery Centers in Vicksburg and Columbus will remain open through Oct. 31, where you can meet face-to-face with representatives of FEMA, the State of Mississippi, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other agencies. At the DRCs you can check the status of your claim, learn about filing an appeal and get information about other available state, federal and community programs.

If you have not yet registered with FEMA, you may do so until Nov. 19 by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). These toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Multilingual operators are available. After the application deadline, FEMA will still be available to assist those who have already registered. Applicants who have questions about disaster assistance programs or the status of their previously-filed applications should continue to use FEMA’s toll-free numbers.

The application deadline for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA for physical damages is also Nov. 19. SBA disaster loans can help fund repair or replacement costs not covered by insurance or other sources. Applicants may apply online at SBA.gov/disaster or, for more information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.

The Disaster Recovery Center location for Warren County is at the Vicksburg Mall, 3505 Pemberton Square Blvd., Suite 25 in Vicksburg.

The Disaster Recovery Center location for Lowndes County is at the East Columbus Gym, 222 Lawrence Drive, in Columbus.

The hours for both facilities are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The centers are closed on Sundays.

Before visiting a recovery center, residents are asked to register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).