County Executive Robert P. Astorino is reminding Westchester residents and business owners affected by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee that they have until Dec. 15 to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for possible disaster assistance.
Registering with FEMA is necessary for homeowners and business owners who may be seeking FEMA grants or low-interest loans in connection with physical damages caused by the August hurricane and the tropical storm that arrived several weeks later in September.
“The deadline to apply for help is fast approaching. Registering by Dec. 15 is a necessary step to remain eligible for a variety of government assistance,” Astorino said.
FEMA officials noted that residents and business owners who have filed insurance claims should still register in case their private insurance does not cover all damages resulting from the storms.
“If your insurance coverage comes up short, or other damage appears later, you need to be registered for us to help,” FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Philip E. Parr said.
Dec. 15 is also the deadline to complete and return a federal Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan application. No one is obligated to take a loan, but completing the application is an essential step in possibly receiving additional FEMA grants for homeowners and renters that do not qualify for a loan.
For more information and to register, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.