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FEMA Registration Tips Posted 3 July 2008 Iowa residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began in late May can get disaster assistance faster by following a few tips. There is still time to apply for federal assistance. When applying for help, those who have been affected should have the following information available: • Current phone number or numbers; • Address at the time of the disaster and the address where they are now staying; • Social Security number, if available; • If insured, the name of the company or agent and the policy number; • General financial information; • Bank account codes, which are printed on checks, if they wish to get direct deposit. Those applying for assistance will be given a registration number to use throughout the claims process, so they should have a pen and paper ready. More important tips: • Only one person per household or business should register for assistance – and they should register only once. More than one registration for the same property will delay the process until the situation is clarified. • Contact an insurance agent to file any insurance claim. Having insurance information available when you call FEMA will speed up the process of cross-checking that information. • An inspector will contact you for an appointment to inspect your property. Make arrangements to meet the inspector and allow sufficient time to answer questions. Assistance may be delayed if you do not meet the inspector. • Residents forced from their homes by disaster damage may apply for rental assistance to relocate temporarily while repairs are made. Reimbursement may be available for hotel bills if your home was uninhabitable, so save your receipts. • Document losses by saving receipts from bills you have paid to repair your property or replace essential possessions. Take photographs and videotape, if possible. • To check the status of an application for assistance or amend an application, contact FEMA at • 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Assistance is available to homeowners, renters and business owners who had physical or economic damage from the disaster. Officials encourage those affected by the disaster to register for assistance immediately by going online to www.fema.gov or by calling a toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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