There is still time to register for disaster aid for damage related to the floods, heavy rains and storms earlier this summer.
A Disaster Recovery Center was established in Webster City late last week and area residents with damage are encouraged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to John Mills, external affairs field specialist for FEMA.
Mills said disaster survivors from any of the 32 Iowa counties covered under the recent federal declaration for individual assistance, including Hamilton, Webster and Wright counties, may visit any of the recovery centers. The Webster City site is located at 500 Fairmeadow Drive.
"Maybe some people hesitate because they feel their neighbor's house was more seriously damaged than their own," Mills said. "It doesn't matter how much damage you have. If you have any level of damage since the first of June, it's in your best interest to register with FEMA?to see what they might be eligible to receive."
Mills said that registering does not guarantee that disaster recovery funds will be awarded, but added, "People have nothing to lose by registering."
"It's not a handout, it's a hand up," he said.
To register, Mills said people should call (800) 621-3362 or visit the website www.disasterassistance.gov.
When an individual calls to register with FEMA, they will be given a nine-digit registration number during that call, he said.
"That's the proof that you have registered and you're now in the system," according to Mills.
Within a few days, and sometimes the next day, registered people receive a call from a registered contract inspector with FEMA. Mills said the inspector will set up an appointment to come out and see the homeowner or renters damage.
"Everything is handled on a case by case basis," he said. "What a neighbor receives may not be what you receive."
He encouraged residents to have any documentation - receipts, photographs, dates and times of the damage - ready for the inspector.
Those who register on the phone or online will be asked for a bank account routing number for direct deposit of any funds that are granted.
"When the inspector comes to the house, they will have a hand-held computer to enter your information and send it to FEMA very quickly," he said. "That moves the process along more quickly."
Once registered with FEMA, representatives from federal and voluntary agencies, including from the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be available at the recovery centers to answer questions and provide information. No cash, checks, debit cards or vouchers are distributed at these centers, Mills said. Mills said that mitigation experts at the center can also give residents inexpensive ideas to make the homes better prepared for the next event.
"At least they will be better prepared if there is a next time," he said.
The Webster City center will be open Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekdays from 9 a.m, to 7 p.m.
Contact Anne Blankenship at editor@freemanjournal.net or call 832-4350.