The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved extending the registration period for the severe storms and flooding in Missouri that occurred between June 1 and Aug. 13.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance has been extended to October 14, 2008.

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The deadline to submit loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration is also Oct. 14. These SBA loan applications are a key part of the FEMA registration process. If you are a homeowner or renter and SBA determines that you cannot afford a loan, you may be referred for other eligible assistance.

The disaster-designated counties affected by the extension include Adair, Andrew, Callaway, Cass, Chariton, Clark, Gentry, Greene, Harrison, Holt, Johnson, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Nodaway, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, St. Charles, Stone, Taney, Vernon and Webster.

So far, more than $8.6 million in disaster aid has been approved in FEMA grants and SBA loans for Missouri residents and businesses suffering damage from this summer's severe storms and flooding events.

To register, call (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585. Lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Register online anytime at www.fema.gov.

Additional information is available at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or (800) 659-2955.