FEMA storm deadlines approach

BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON THE DAILY IBERIAN
Published/Last Modified on Friday, October 31, 2008 2:10 PM CDT

The Federal Emergency Management Agency deadlines for aid for residents impacted by hurricanes Gustav and Ike are fast approaching.

The official cutoff date for applications for claims related to Hurricane Gustav is Sunday and claim applications for Hurricane Ike are due Nov. 12.

So far, FEMA has granted more than $4.3 million in assistance in Iberia Parish, more than $3.28 million in St. Martin Parish and more than $5.25 million in St. Mary Parish for Hurricane Gustav-related damages. Applicants with claims for Hurricane Ike have received more than $1.3 million in Iberia Parish, more than $1.2 million in St. Mary Parish and more than $144,000 in St. Martin Parish.

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FEMA spokeswoman Debbie Simon said the agency has handed out more than $134 million in assistance benefits statewide for Hurricane Gustav. So far, the agency has distributed more than $31 million in assistance benefits for Hurricane Ike, she said.

FEMA also handed out more than 4 million pounds of ice, 21 million bottles of water and 10 million Meals Ready to Eat since the storms hit in September, Simon said.

A FEMA application number also provides access to disaster assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Cynthia Cowell, communication specialist for SBA, said it has processed and approved loan applications for Hurricane Gustav extending more than $57 million in low-interest loans. So far, she said they have processed and approved loans associated with Hurricane Ike totaling more than $21 million in aid.

Disaster assistance is available from SBA in two forms, physical disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans. More information on these programs are available at www.sba.gov.

Simon said FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Iberia Parish at 9 a.m. Monday at the Iberia Parish Fire Protection District, 2309 Avery Island Road. The DRC will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.

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