Published: July 07, 2009 05:22 pm      

FEMA aid — Flood relief deadline fast approaching

Residents of Mercer and McDowell counties who suffered losses during the May 10 flood have only one week left to apply for individual assistance grants from FEMA.

The deadline to apply for help is Tuesday, July 14. Funding for individual disaster assistance is awarded to individuals and families in a designated disaster area, such as Mercer County, whose property has been severely damaged or affected by a natural disaster, according to U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va.

Rahall joined FEMA on Tuesday in encouraging citizens impacted by the May 10 storm to call FEMA for help.

The individual assistance declaration approved last week for Mercer County by FEMA allows individuals affected by the May flooding to pay for expenses incurred by the disaster. Mercer County was added to the individual assistance declaration much later than other southern West Virginia counties because officials in Mercer County waited longer to make the official request for individual assistance, FEMA officials told the Daily Telegraph last week.

While it is regrettable that Mercer County officials were late in requesting an individual assistance declaration, it is important to remember there is still time for residents of Mercer County to apply for individual assistance.

In addition to Mercer, individuals who live, work or own a business in McDowell and Wyoming counties also have until July 14 to apply for federal assistance, according to FEMA. Those seeking help should call 800-621-FEMA by July 14. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Residents impacted by the May 10 disaster may also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

According to Rahall, funding can be used for structural damage home repairs, or for semi-permanent or permanent housing construction as well as other needs, including clean-up, transportation costs, vehicle damage and even medical expenses.

Thus far FEMA has received 491 applications for assistance in McDowell County, and 85 in Mercer County. Another 1,192 citizens in Wyoming County have applied for federal assistance.

Residents of Mercer and McDowell counties affected by the May 10 flooding should apply for federal assistance today. With only a week remaining, time is of the essence.

The federal agency is here to help area residents recover from the May storm. But if you don’t call, FEMA can’t help. And the clock is ticking.

FEMA won’t be here forever.

If you were impacted by the May 10 storm, and need help, call today.