Deadline to register for FEMA fire aid is Monday

Nov. 12--The deadline to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency aid in the aftermath of the Almeda and South Obenchain fires is Monday, Nov. 16.

FEMA and Jackson County officials are urging anyone impacted by the September fires to register with FEMA, even if they have insurance.

"We continue to be concerned that there are residences that have suffered a loss from these fires that have not yet registered with FEMA," said Jackson County Emergency Operations Director John Vial.

To register, call 1-800-621-3362, TTY: 1-800-462-7585 or see disasterassistance.gov.

People who've received a denial letter from FEMA or have other questions can get help from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Central High School, 815 S. Oakdale Ave., Medford.

Many denials can be reversed when people provide needed documentation, or get help to replace documents burned in the fires.

In Jackson County, FEMA said it has approved more than $18 million in federal grants for at least 1,510 individuals and households through its Individuals and Households Program.

Nearly $16.9 million in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans have been approved for 142 homeowners and renters and seven businesses as of Nov. 6, FEMA said.

Almost $14.5 million in grants have been approved for housing repairs or replacement for 962 homeowners, the agency said.

Nearly $3.6 million in grants have been approved for personal property, transportation and other disaster-related needs for 1,327 applicants, FEMA said.

In addition, Jackson County has been approved as a participant in FEMA's Direct Temporary Housing Program, in which FEMA helps provide temporary housing for 18 months during the cleanup and rebuilding process.

Survivors do not apply for Direct Temporary Housing. Instead, FEMA said it will contact applicants who are eligible and meet the criteria established for the program. FEMA will explain the program, see if survivors are interested and determine the type of housing that best meets the needs of each survivor's family.

With rentals and houses for sale in short supply in Jackson County even before the fires, FEMA is working to bring RVs and mobile homes to the community as a quick way to provide temporary housing.

In addition to providing aid, FEMA is connecting survivors with other sources of help in the community.

The Almeda fire destroyed and damaged at least 2,600 residential structures and almost 200 business structures, primarily in Phoenix and Talent.

The South Obenchain fire between Butte Falls and Shady Cove destroyed 33 residential structures and 56 other structures, such as outbuildings.

For a wide range of information about FEMA aid, other assistance, the fire recovery process and more, visit a website set up by Jackson County at roguevalleyrebuilds.org.

Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at valdous@rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.

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