Flood Disaster Assistance Now Available to Renville County Residents and Businesses
Federal disaster assistance is now available to residents and businesses within Renville County for damages caused by flooding that began on February 14 th, 2011. State and federal officials encourage those affected by the disaster to register for assistance immediately by calling toll-free 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free line is in operation from 6am to midnight (CDT) until further notice. Registration can also be accomplished anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov or with a smart phone at m.fema.gov.
FEMA’s 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 other assistance programs. For those insured, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. Those starting the recovery process are encouraged to document their recovery by taking photos, saving receipts, etc.
Officials remind affected residents they MUST register with FEMA to be eligible for all forms of federal assistance. Filing damage reports with state or county emergency managers or voluntary agencies does not start the federal disaster assistance process.
Officials advise applicants to have the following information available when applying for assistance:
When you register, you will be given a FEMA application number so they can locate your file in their system. Please write this number down and keep it handy for future use. FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and does not normally compensate eligible applicants for their entire losses. FEMA disaster aid is generally offered in the form of a grant that do not have to be paid back.
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes to repair or replace damaged or destroyed private property. SBA also offers low-interest working capital loans, called Economic Injury Disaster Loans, to small businesses and most private, non-profit organization. After you register with FEMA, the U.S Small Business Administration may send you a loan application. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you complete the forms and return them to SBA, even if you are not sure you will need or want a loan. If you do not fill out and return the SBA application, you could forfeit your potential eligibility for certain FEMA disaster assistance.
Additional Flood Information and Resources: