Via a press release, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson urged residents, business owners, and local governments who were impacted by the historic Aug. 11 storms who also meet the strict eligibility criteria of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit applications for federal assistance before the Nov. 24 deadline.
Those impacted can begin applying for assistance immediately at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). A special line has also been set up for individuals living with hearing and speech impairments at 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
“It is imperative that residents affected by this disaster register with FEMA by the deadline in order to determine what assistance they may be eligible for,” Patterson said. “There are limits on the assistance and we want to make sure our residents and businesses optimize their chances of receiving their share of federal funds.”
Oakland County Homeland Security Division is ready to help local communities which have questions about the process of applying for aid from FEMA.
“Oakland County will continue to assist the local communities to ensure each step of the process is completed for individual and public assistance,” said Theodore Quisenberry, manager of Oakland County Homeland Security Division. “We have been working closely with the communities throughout the process and will continue to do so until it is complete.”
The local communities provided timely and accurate information that allowed Patterson to declare a state of emergency to Gov. Rick Snyder. The governor then called for a disaster declaration from President Barack Obama which came through last week allowing for FEMA assistance. This means federal funds will be available to help provide assistance in three areas:
- Individual assistance to impacted homeowners.
- Grant assistance to state, county, and local governments.
- Grant assistance for future hazard mitigation.
“Oakland County is grateful our residents, businesses and communities will have an opportunity to receive federal assistance,” Patterson said.
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