The deadline is fast approaching to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
Washington residents who have uninsured losses resulting from the Nov. 5 – Dec. 2 severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides have until Monday to apply.
”Don’t wait; there is no cost to apply,” FEMA said in a press release.
Homeowners and renters in Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties, the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Quileute Tribe and all tribes in the designated areas can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app.
If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
Applying for federal disaster assistance from FEMA will not affect other federal benefits that Washington disaster survivors may receive.
Disaster assistance helps survivors pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, essential personal property repairs and replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.
Individuals and Households Assistance applicants who need American Sign Language assistance while visiting a Disaster Recovery Center or seeking other FEMA services can call or text 360-839-4559 for an appointment.
It may take up to 48 hours to secure a date and time for a Disaster Recovery Center visit or home inspection. Last-minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill at the precise preferred time.
Property owners can protect themselves from financial losses by having a flood insurance policy through the NFIP. Flood insurance coverage is available regardless of federal disaster declarations. Insurance for contents is also available to renters. There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so don’t wait to obtain a policy. The spring flooding season looms.
