FEMA assistance available to Vernon County residents

The Vernon County Office of Emergency Management reports that the county has qualified for FEMA Individual Disaster Assistance for flooding and severe storm damage beginning June 1, 2008, and continuing.

Homeowners, renters, owners of any size business, and private non-profit organizations that incurred damage are urged to register for assistance by calling (800) 621-FEMA or by going online to www.fema.gov.

FEMA Individual Disaster Assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may also be available to pay for home and businesses damage not covered by insurance.

"Even if you have already registered with other agencies for assistance, you must register with FEMA to have access to Individual Disaster Assistance and state disaster relief programs," said Emergency Management Director Dennis Kimrey.

When registering, individuals should be prepared to provide

* A phone number where they can be reached

* The address of the damaged property

* The homeowner or renter's social security number

* A current mailing address

* A description of the damage

* Insurance information including company name, type of insurance and deductibles

* A bank account number if the individual wishes to utilize direct deposit service.

FEMA will assign a registration number and will send staff to do a home visit to assess damage. According to FEMA, individuals do not need to wait for the home inspection before beginning repairs, but homeowners or renters are encouraged to take pictures of damage before repairs begin.