The deadline is quickly approaching for residents in 75 Iowa counties covered by the Presidential disaster declaration to file with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance. FEMA spokeswoman Buffy Gilfoil says the deadline is July 26th. They have today through Monday to call the hotline if they had any losses in connection with the storms that sparked the May 25th presidential disaster declaration. Residents wondering whether or not they are eligible for federal disaster aid can find out by calling the toll-free FEMA hotline, and Gilfoil says the best thing to do if you have any doubts is to call FEMA and register. Gilfoil says you may find out after the deadline that your insurance company will not cover some of your losses, and FEMA may be able to do that if you have applied before the deadline. Gilfoil says people have taken advantage of the federal disaster aid programs. She says FEMA’s had 4,483 applicants from Iowa and has approved more than 11-Million dollars in loans and grants. Gilfoil says it’s an easy process to apply for federal disaster aid.She says it takes only about 20 minutes normally, as they ask for your basic information, and about your insurance, household, damaged property, and where you’re staying now — as this one call starts the whole process. To apply for assistance, call FEMA’s toll-free number at 800-621-FEMA (3362) between 8 A.M. and 6 P.M. weekdays.
