Survivors of the October 2017 wildfires have just a few days left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance and to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The deadline for registration is Dec. 11, 2017.
Residents of Mendocino who suffered damage may be eligible for federal grants, which do not have to be repaid. Grants can help cover disaster-related expenses, including rent, essential home repairs and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
Applicants can apply for disaster assistance by going online at
DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA app on a smart phone or by calling
800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service can call
800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. In-person registration assistance is available at the Mendocino Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) at 1375 N. State Street in Ukiah (the storefront left of Raley's).
Business owners and nonprofits located in the designated counties may qualify for up to $2 million in low-interest SBA disaster loans both for physical and economic damage. Homeowners may qualify for up to $200,000 for home damage. Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Call
800-659-2955 or visit
www.sba.gov/disaster for more information.
Registrants who are contacted by SBA should complete and return the application even if they don’t want a loan. Application information can be considered to determine eligibility for other disaster assistance, such as reimbursement for personal property, medical, storage and vehicles.
Those who receive a letter from FEMA saying they are not eligible for disaster assistance should contact FEMA with questions or if they need assistance to appeal the decision.