Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

MISSOULA- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging people who had damage from this Spring's flooding to register for assistance. Officials tell us this is the first time in about 20 years FEMA has to set up a disaster recovery center in Missoula County.

"FEMA and SBA application specialist will be at the center to answer any questions, provide any information or help that anybody may need," FEMA Public Information Officer Chris Mckniff said in a Tuesday interview. "We provide federal grant assistance for those who have incurred any cost through temporary housing or for any type of home repairs that would needed to bring someone house to a live-inhabitable condition."

Even though you may have registered for help with the county, Mckniff says you will not get federal assistance unless you register directly with FEMA.

"It's very important to register with us at the 800-number, or via the internet at disasterassistance.gov. If don't register with us, we have no idea that you've suffered any damage at all and you are not in the federal system, therefore we can't help you," Mckniff explained.

FEMA says people can register at home or at the disaster recovery center. But before you register with FEMA, you should check on what your insurance will cover, because FEMA can't duplicate benefits.

"We can supplement any type of items that have been destroyed in the home, that have not been insured, or we can supplement any type of insurance settlement that has been short of your needs," added Mckniff.

The registration deadline for FEMA assistance is September 26th. The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open in Missoula County this week. Thursday it will be open from 1-7 p.m. It will also be open Friday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The center is located in the Missoula Emergency Services Building in the Training Center Building at 1220 Burlington Avenue.

To register with FEMA, you can call 1.800.621.3362 (TTY 1.800.462.7585). When you call here's the information you'll need to have on hand:

• Social Security number
• Your address and phone number
• Insurance Carrier Name
• Insurance police number
• Insurance carrier's address and phone number

For additional information about FEMA and disaster assistance click here.

Contact Irina Cates