FEMA warns of deadline approaching for individual assistance

Missouri homeowners or renters affected by flooding or tornadoes have until July 29 to register for FEMA individual assistance, according to FEMA spokesman John Mills.

Mills said anyone affected by disasters from April 19 through June 6 may call 1-800-621-3362 to register. He said small-interest loans for disaster victims are also available through the Small Business Administration. SBA assistance is available through the FEMA claims process.

The deadline, originally set for early July, was extended at the request of Gov. Jay Nixon, Mills said.

So far FEMA has paid $30 million to victims statewide. More than half of that, about $17 million, went to individuals affected by the tornado that ripped through Joplin, Mo.