Time is running out to register for FEMA aid

Five months after Hurricane Ike’s landfall, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to deliver disaster assistance to households suffering damage. To date, more than $380 million in housing assistance and more than $103 million in assistance for other needs has been disbursed.

Some disaster victims may not be registering in the belief that they will not qualify.

“Every case is different, so making assumptions based on the experience of others could cut potentially eligible applicants out of needed disaster assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris. “But time is running out.”

Registration ends Feb. 20 for those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. You must live in one of the 34 counties designated for FEMA’s Individual Assistance--Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gregg, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington counties--to register.

Homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit organizations can register online anytime at www.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY 1-800-462-7585). The toll-free number is available from 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.