Keep In Touch With FEMA

Survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA should stay in touch with the agency to update application details with any new information. It is critical to keep FEMA advised. Missing or outdated material could delay getting help.

Information that may need to be updated could include:

• Your current housing situation, phone number, or mailing address.
• Adding or removing the name of a person designated to speak for you.
• Adding or changing names of household members and number of people living in the home.
• Changes in your application for FEMA assistance.
• Correcting or verifying home and property damage.
• Updating your payment preference.

The easiest way to provide missing or new information is to create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you don’t have Internet access or need services not on the FEMA website, call the Helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual FEMA staff can take your call from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week.

When contacting FEMA be sure to refer to the nine-digit application number you were issued when you applied. This number is included in all correspondence you get from FEMA; it is very important to use this number.

There is still time to apply

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is Feb. 21, 2022.

Residents of Jefferson and Shelby Counties who were affected by the Oct. 6-7 severe storms and flooding who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should do so before that deadline. You can apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Applicants should mention any access or functional needs they may have when applying. FEMA can provide interpreters, real-time captioning, and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print, audio, and electronic versions. The agency also provides free services to help survivors communicate with its staff and understand FEMA programs, including:

• Information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website and social media.
• Qualified American Sign Language interpreters.
• Qualified multilingual interpreters.
• Information written in multiple languages.

For more information about Alabama disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4632.