Federal help for storm victims available until mid-May

People seeking help to recover from the severe storms and tornados that struck Missouri last month have until mid-May to make their claims, a spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday.

The federal help, available in 36 counties, helps cover emergency shelter needs and provides low-interest loans to help pay for damage that isn't covered by insurance, said Butch DuCote, a FEMA public information officer.

Emergency grants can help pay for temporary shelter and emergency repairs. Low-interest loans are available for more expensive needs that aren't covered by insurance, such as rebuilding a home or replacing lost possessions, DuCote said.

But don't expect taxpayers to cover every cost, DuCote warned. "We are not here to make people whole," he said. "We are not an insurance company for the uninsured."

President Bush declared a disaster on March 16. Those seeking help must apply within 60 days, DuCote said, making the deadline approximately May 15.

When calling for assistance or using the Internet to seek help, applicants must have their Social Security number, address to receive mail, a telephone number, the address where the damage occurred and information about insurance.

A form to apply for a low-interest loan will be sent, DuCote said. It must be completed and returned to receive any help, he said. No one will be required to take a loan, he said, "but if you don't fill it out, we'll assume you need no further assistance."

Grants can cover the cost of temporary housing or emergency repairs to make a home habitable. The loans are for more permanent repairs or replacing damaged possessions.

The maximum individual grant is $30,000. People who rent their homes can receive a loan of up to $40,000, while homeowners can receive a loan of up to $200,000. Businesses that suffered damage are eligible for loans of up to $1.5 million.

People can apply by phone, the Internet or by visiting a disaster recovery center. A center in Perryville will close soon unless it sees a large increase in the number of visitors, DuCote said.

The center, in the Perry County Health Department offices at 406 N. Spring St. in Perryville, has assisted 26 people since it opened March 24.

A tornado struck St. Mary in northern Perry County March 11, killing two people.

Assistance grants or loans for Southeast Missouri residents with storm damage are available in Scott, Perry, Mississippi, New Madrid, Iron and Ste. Genevieve counties. A request to make Butler, Dunklin and Stoddard counties eligible for aid was turned down.

Help is available by calling (800) 621-3362 or on the Internet at www.fema.gov.

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126