August 5th Deadline Approaches to Apply for FEMA Assistance

July 22, 2010, MURFREESBORO– With the August 5th application deadline approaching, Congressman Bart Gordon urges Middle Tennessee residents affected by May’s flooding to contact FEMA and apply for assistance.

“The deadline to apply for individual assistance from FEMA is Thursday, August 5th,” Gordon said. “I encourage everyone to apply sooner rather than later. Planning ahead could save hundreds of dollars down the line.”

The damage Middle Tennessee sustained during the flooding makes a range of assistance available for residents, including grants for home repairs, funding for temporary housing and other expenses that are flood-related. Property owners can register online at www.fema.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA.

Disaster assistance does not affect Social Security or Medicare payments, or any other federal or state programs. Tennesseans who apply for disaster assistance will still receive the full amount of any programs for which they normally qualify.

Gordon is encouraging property owners to register damage with FEMA even if the property is insured and to appeal to FEMA if a previous application has been rejected and the have new information to contribute to their case for need.

“Whatever the extent of your damage, the most important thing is getting your application in on time,” Gordon said. “Assistance can pay for certain damages above and beyond what your insurance covers, so apply even if you have insurance.”

In addition to individual assistance, assistance is available for small businesses that have sustained economic damage through the Small Business Administration. Farmers may also be eligible for assistance through the USDA Farm Services Agency.

“There is a range of assistance available to help individuals, farmers and small business owners as they recover from damage,” said Gordon. “My staff in Murfreesboro is available to help anyone who has questions about applying for any of these programs.”

The congressman’s Murfreesboro office can be reached at (615) 896-1986.