Arkansas Storm Survivors Urged to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

Arkansas residents affected by the late April flooding and storms may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state and federal officials announced today.

“Registering for assistance is the first step in getting you on the path to recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper. “We’re urging people with disaster-related damages in federally declared counties to apply as soon as possible.”

The major federal disaster declaration, signed by President Obama on June 26, 2015, offers Individual Assistance in the counties of Crawford, Garland, Howard, Jefferson, Little River, Miller, Perry, Sebastian, and Sevier counties. Additional counties may be included at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

There are several ways to apply for disaster assistance.

Individuals can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
Another option is to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
The toll free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.

In most cases, a FEMA inspector will call you within a few days of registering to arrange a visit to your damaged home or apartment. A FEMA inspector will always have an official badge visible during the inspection. Request to see identification before allowing the inspector to enter your home.

If you qualify for FEMA assistance, you will receive a federal government check or the funds will be directly deposited into your designated bank account. A separate letter also will be sent to you explaining how you may use the funds.

If you have questions about FEMA assistance, call 1-800-320-FEMA (3362). You can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov or www.fema.gov.