The FEMA folks are practically out begging for us to register our claims for losses from the March floods in northwest Mississippi. To date they’ve distributed $6.1 million in individual housing assistance; $4.2 million for home repairs, rebuilding and temporary housing; $1.2 million to help with other losses.
That’s just help for individuals and businesses. Other assistance is also available for local government and non-profits, but the important point FEMA is making is to register before it’s too late.
You can register by phone at 1-800-621-3362, online <disasterassistance.gov> or in person at the fire station in Marks on Main Street.
If you are in doubt about whether you could receive assistance to help cover your loss, go ahead and register. FEMA officials encourage it. If you had losses from the December tornado and storms and were denied help then, go ahead and register. Tornado damage and flood damage are two separate events. If you receive any kind of public assistance, go ahead and register. Your benefits will not be affected, FEMA officials assure us.
There’s one more thing: if you are reading this, you have probably already registered if you have decided it is applicable to you. However, in most disasters the poorest people are usually hurt the worst. And we’ve got plenty of poor people in Panola, Quitman and Tallahatchie counties. They are also likely to be the least informed about the help that is available.
That’s where we can help. If you know of someone who might not read or pay attention to the news, tell them. Tell them to register with FEMA. FEMA is doing its best to get the word out, but some people may know how to get help unless you tell them. Other people may be reluctant to ask for help unless you encourage them.