GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Residents of four Puerto Rico municipalities can apply for federal disaster assistance for damage from Tropical Storm Isaias, which struck the western side of the island July 29-31.
At the request of the Government of Puerto Rico, FEMA extended eligibility for Individual Assistance to residents of the municipalities of Aguada, Hormigueros, Mayagüez and Rincón under the presidential disaster declaration of Sept. 9.
Tropical Storm Isaias (pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs) brought strong winds and heavy rain that caused landslides, localized flooding and scattered power outages.
If you suffered damage from the storm and you are a resident of one of the four municipalities, you can apply now for help. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs for the primary residence, and uninsured and underinsured personal property losses. It may also include medical and dental expenses caused by the disaster along with other serious disaster-related expenses.
But keep in mind that you must apply with FEMA to be considered for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 9.
There are several ways to apply:
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
- Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have an Apple device: Text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA). For those with an Android device: Text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA). For more information go to: www.fema.gov/mobile-app.
Survivors should let FEMA know if they have a request for a reasonable accommodation. FEMA can provide sign language interpreters and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print and electronic versions.
For more information on Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4560
and Facebook: www.facebook.com/femapuertorico.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 711 for Video Relay Service. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish.) TTY call 800-462-7585.