HARRISBURG - The deadline is near for individuals who had damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee to apply for disaster assistance.
The registration deadline is Dec. 14, which is the same deadline to submit a disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages any Northumberland County resident, business or property owner who sustained losses in either or both storms to apply for aid.
Other counties eligible for federal disaster aid related to the two storms include Columbia, Montour, Schuylkill, Snyder and Union.
"Delaying the call to FEMA or the SBA may mean you don't receive a grant or loan that could make the difference in how quickly you get back to normal," said Commonwealth Coordinating Officer John Forr. "You not only help yourself, but you're in a better position to help stabilize your community."
FEMA can be reached toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The line is in operation from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
Online registration is available at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
Help with registration is especially available to anyone suffering from a disability.
For information about the SBA disaster loan, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday or file an application online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.