Register Now for Disaster-Related Aid – Even If You Have Insurance

RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 23 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

County, state and federal emergency management officials are encouraging residents of Guilford and Rockingham counties who sustained damages during the April tornado to register with FEMA.

"If you had storm damage on your property, we urge you to register," said state Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. "Even those who have filed their homeowner's insurance claims for disaster-related damage are encouraged to register with FEMA whether or not they received a final insurance settlement."

Do not delay filing a FEMA grant application because you are waiting for a decision from your insurance company, Sprayberry said. He also urged residents to apply for FEMA assistance even if they had been denied food and nutrition services, noting that they are two completely different programs.

It is best to document disaster-related damage with photos or videos but FEMA doesn't need that physical evidence to complete an application. The agency understands that some damaged items must be disposed of during cleanup or before a FEMA inspector visits the property.

Uninsured and underinsured homeowners and renters may be eligible for FEMA's Other Needs Assistance grant program to repair or replace such personal property as furniture and kitchen appliances. The program also helps with uninsured or underinsured expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

* online at DisasterAssistance.gov

* phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

* at a disaster recovery center. You can find the nearest one to you at: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator .

For more information on tornado recovery in North Carolina, visit www.ncdps.gov and follow N.C. Emergency Management on Facebook and on Twitter @ncemergency. You can also find more information - including hours and locations for Disaster Recovery Centers - on the ReadyNC mobile app.