FEMA disaster assistance deadline nears

SIKESTON — The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is approaching, and here’s what local residents need to know.

According to Barb Sturner, FEMA external affairs specialist, FEMA is providing disaster assistance to individuals and households in 10 Missouri counties as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding May 19-27. 

“The 10 designated counties are Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas County,” Sturner said. “Those who were impacted by the storms and still need help with recovery are encouraged to apply.”

The deadline to apply for assistance is Sept. 23 and applications are free. There are three ways to apply: online at disasterassistance.gov; calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3326); or downloading and using the FEMA app.

According to Sturner, the first step in being considered for FEMA assistance is to apply before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23. 

“It’s super-easy to do and should only take about 20 minutes,” Sturner said. “We really like people to use the website. They can get in and out of it at any time of day but if your not computer savvy, you can call our number.”

According to Sturner, people should apply even if they are unsure whether they will be approved, and the most important thing citizens should know right now is about insurance.

According to Sturner, FEMA is prohibited by law from spending federal funds on something that someone’s insurance has already paid for.

“However, that does not mean you should not apply if you have insurance, and you still have unmet needs,” Sturner said. “Things your insurance didn’t pay for, it may be that FEMA can pay for. So it doesn’t hurt to apply.

Sturner continued: “If you have insurance, and you didn’t get some of your losses paid for, apply for FEMA anyway. We will take a look at the situation and see if there is something we can do to help.”

Sturner said when people register, they will be asked if they have insurance, and this will temporarily flag their case.

“It temporarily flags your case so we can see what’s left over after insurance,” Sturner said. “So people will need to get a letter from their insurance company saying what they have paid for in whatever dollar amount. That way we can reactivate their case.”

Sturner emphasized that people with insurance who continue to apply must have their insurance letter sent to FEMA.

According to Sturner, there were more than 1,000 eligible applicants across the 10 counties as of Friday, Sept. 6.

Sturner added that as of Friday, they had paid out $2,658,671 to 569 eligible applicants.

According to Sturner, some of the benefits available include: displacement assistance, rental assistance, home repair, grants to repair or replace personal property damaged by disaster, adding accessibility features, grants toward the cost of replacing essential tools or equipment, reimbursement of costs and help with underinsured losses.

Sturner said those who chose to apply over the phone can call the 1-800-621-FEMA number between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily Central Time. 

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFMIXNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXKRyRO...