FEMA has programs that may provide financial help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs. To date, FEMA has approved more than $1.38 million in grants for individuals and households.

 If you haven’t already done so, contact your insurance company and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage. Be sure to take photographs or video of the damage and keep all receipts for repair work.

Register with FEMA at www.disasterassistance.gov, call 800.621.3362, or use the FEMA app for smartphones. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week. The deadline to register is Nov. 8, 2021.

After you apply for federal disaster assistance, it is important that FEMA be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may appear to come from unidentified numbers and make sure that FEMA has your current contact information. FEMA may call to obtain more information for your application or to schedule an inspection of the damaged home.

Applicants for FEMA assistance will receive a letter from FEMA by mail or email. It is important to read it carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide to you and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. You may need to submit additional information for FEMA to continue to process your application.

Examples of missing documentation may include proof of insurance coverage, settlement of insurance claims, proof of identity, proof of occupancy, proof of ownership, or proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.

If you have questions about the letter, you can get answers by going online to www.disasterassistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800.621.3362.