TO GET BALL ROLLING, VICTIMS MUST APPLY FOR FEMA FLOOD ASSISTANCE

When Cape Girardeau County was added to the list of Missouri counties declared federal disaster areas Tuesday, residents who have suffered flood damage became eligible for federal assistance.

"The key was getting the proclamation signed by President Clinton," said Mark Winkler, a Southeast Missouri representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Once the five northeastern counties of Missouri were declared disaster areas, the state could tack on as many counties as necessary."

FEMA has a two-tier assistance program which starts with the families and individuals affected by the flooding and after the flood waters recede includes a community assistance program for cleanup and street repair.

"The most important thing is for people to apply for assistance," Winkler said. "We can't get the ball rolling until we know about the victims."

People who have suffered property damage, have been forced to move from their homes or have otherwise been affected by the flood waters are urged to call the FEMA application office in Denton, Texas, at 1-800-462-9029.

The interview takes about 20-30 minutes. Basic questions are asked of the applicant name, address, Social Security number, home insurance or lack thereof.

"We then compile the information and try to categorize the applicant," Winkler said. "Processing the application takes about 7-10 days, but then we get back in touch with the applicant.

"We prioritize requests for emergency housing," Winkler said. "The FEMA official on the phone will give the applicant another 800-number to call to request renters' assistance, pay-out vouchers, grants or whatever is available."

There are certain limits on the amount of the grants, usually based on the applicant's income, need and insurance.

"If a home is 100 percent insured, FEMA will not give the applicant money on top of the insurance settlement," Winkler said.

FEMA can also arrange for low-interest loans for owners of small businesses affected by the floods, and will pay lost wages for people who have taken off work to try to save their homes.

Winkler encourages Scott County residents affected by the flood waters to apply, despite the fact that Scott County has not yet been added to the list of disaster areas.

"If and when they do declare Scott County a disaster area, those people will just be that much further ahead," Winkler said. "They can get money to rebuild or repair their homes sooner."

After the flood waters recede, FEMA personnel will come to Cape Girardeau to assess the overall damage, and will consider awarding the area grant money for street repair and flood cleanup.

FEMA also will consider reimbursing the city for overtime pay given to police officers who are patrolling flood zones.