Posted: 10/2/07
Residents urged to apply for help, regardless how small the damage
By Tom Hammell
Special for the Caledonia Argus
If you sustained any damage from heavy August rains, no matter how small, now is the time to apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"That is the crucial first step in the recovery process," Houston County Emergency Management Services Director Kurt Kuhlers said.
Kuhlers said regardless of the type of damage, home and business owners need to apply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for any storm occurring between Aug.19 and 31.
In Houston county alone, FEMA has processed 633 applications and paid out $1.5 million, Kuhlers said. The deadline to apply for aid for these storms is Oct. 22 and can be done by calling 800-621-3362 or going to www.fema.gov.
Len DeCarlo, public information officer for FEMA in Rochester said applicants need to have their social security number as well as approximate family income available. They will also need to provide a bank routing number to speed up the process.
Applicants can also go to a FEMA recovery center if their home is not habitable or their phone is not working. The closest one is in Rushford.
The first thing FEMA does is determine the need for housing assistance, which is not based on income.
"It will move very quickly as long as you take an active interest in it and provide the information promplty," he said. FEMA issued its first check within 24 hours.
FEMA has issued over $1.4 million in housing assistance and $59,599 in other needs assistance in the county and over $16 million statewide.
Even a denial letter is not the end of the road. Kuhlers said applicants have 60 days to appeal the decision.
Applications are sometimes flagged because the applicant has homeowners insurance so the homeowner needs a letter stating that the damage was not covered.
"Most of your insurance companies will provide you with that in writing," he said.
Other funding available
Houston County has been awarded $500,000 for debris assistance and removal for homeowners and farms. Kuhlers said a committee set up to deal with the money has come up with a recommendation and it will come before the Houston County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.
For more information on aid available to homeowners and businesses, go to minnesotarecovers.org.
Kuhlers said not all of the state disaster package money has been allocated.
"Itís been coming together rather quickly, though it still takes time," he said.
DeCarlo encourages anyone who sustained damage to apply.
"If you sustained damage, register for disaster assistance, donít make those determinations yourself," DeCarlo said.
For more information, contact Kurt Kuhlers at 507-725-5838, extension 328. Kuhlers is available from Monday to Friday 8-4:30.
Caledonia Argus
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507/724-3475
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