News and Media: Disaster 4754

Most of the Disaster Recovery Centers open now in Maine will close permanently the week of March 20-23.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency may provide two types of assistance following a presidential disaster declaration: Public Assistance and Individual Assistance. Both programs are independent from each other.

In the aftermath of a disaster, misconceptions about federal disaster assistance can often prevent survivors from applying for help. A good guideline: apply, even if you’re unsure you’ll be eligible.

FEMA often refers disaster survivors to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. In fact, they are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors.

Homeowners and renters in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset counties who have uninsured damage to their property or other disaster-caused losses from the severe storm and flooding from December 17-21 have only three weeks left to apply for disaster assistance.