February 9th, 2009

Skagit County declared major disaster area for individual assistance

SKAGIT COUNTY – Skagit County have been declared a major disaster area (DR-1817) for individual assistance as a result of the early January flooding. Disaster victims are encouraged to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The State of Washington and federal officials urge those affected by January’s severe storms, flooding and mudslides to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) even if they have already registered with voluntary agencies or have reported damage to county or local officials.

Registering with other agencies does not register you with FEMA. The only way to get into the FEMA disaster assistance system and get the help you need is to call or register online.

"Our teams working in the affected areas are finding people who think they have registered for assistance because they called, or were contacted, by local emergency management offices," said Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn of FEMA.

"You must also call the FEMA registration number - 1-800-621-FEMA," said State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin of the Washington Emergency Management Division. "We don't want anyone who may be eligible to miss out on disaster aid. Call today."

Homeowners, renters, and business owners who had flood losses should call the FEMA registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for disaster aid. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments should call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. You can also register online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Important Information from Skagit County Department of Emergency Management:

1. Individual Assistance (IA) for individual businesses and residents. This assistance can come in the form of a grant, loan (through the Small Business Administration (SBA)) and in some cases, reimbursements.
   
2. The most important step after a Federal Declaration of Disaster (if one has damage) is to register with FEMA (1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or online at www.fema.gov
   
3. After registering, two things will happen: 1- An inspector will call to set up an appointment to look at the damage (miss this appointment and you go to the bottom of the list) and 2- An SBA loan application will come in the mail. Fill it out and return, whether you want a loan or not. It might qualify you for more grants. You can always turn down the loan if you don’t want it. If you don’t return the packet, your chance for additional FEMA assistance ends.
   
4. If a claim is denied, it can be appealed by calling the FEMA number above or by going to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Claims are often denied until FEMA has a copy of the letter from your insurance company stating how much they are going to pay.
   

Download the FEMA assistance FAQ / Process sheet.(Pdf)

For further information, contact:

Dan Berentson
360-419-3461