Orange County citizens who sustained damage or losses from the flooding can now register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The presidential disaster declaration of March 19^th makes federal assistance available to eligible individuals and business owners in three counties: Jasper, Newton and Orange.

Citizens affected by damage or loss can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 am to 10 pm seven days a week.

Applicants will be asked for the following information:

*Social Security number

*Address of the damaged primary residence

*Description of the damage

*Information about insurance coverage

*A current contact telephone number

*An address where they can receive mail

*Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

 Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for;

*Temporary housing

*Essential home repairs

*Uninsured and underinsured personal property losses

*Other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance

Low-interest disaster loans from the U. S. Business Administration (SBA) are available for businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid, FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if a survivor has registered with another disaster-relief organization, such as American Red Cross. If you already called FEMA in attempts to register for assistance for damage caused by the storms and flooding, you will not need to reapply. You can call the FEMA Helpline and speak with a representative if you have any questions.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page atwww.fema.gov/disaster/4266. Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website,https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

Be aware of scams FEMA representatives will NOT charge a fee to file an application for assistance or to access the damages.

 

Please Publish the following to the General Public:

www.co.orange.tx.us/emergencymanagement.html  for contact information

Facebook Page, search for:  Orange County Office of Emergency Management

409-882-7895 OCEM Office number