Deadline For FEMA Registration Extended; Officials Say Don’t Wait

(Host) Assistance is still available for homeowners, renters and business owners who were affected by the Tropical Storm Irene floods.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration say they have money that can help people recover.

Deanna Frazier is with FEMA. She says everyone should apply for funds, even if they don't think they'll get any money.

(Frazier) "Don't self-qualify. Let us do that for you. Go ahead and make the call. You can also go online to disasterassistance.gov. We also have two disaster recovery centers in the state, one in Waterbury above the station and at Dover at their town hall. And so you can go there and talk to FEMA specialists."

(Host) FEMA has outright grants that it can give to people who had damage.

And the SBA can also provide loans if the grants don't cover all rebuilding.

Frazier says many people who are struggling are reluctant to ask for help.

(Frazier) "They don't want to look as if they're taking a handout and this is not a handout. This is your tax dollars at work."

(Host) The federal government has extended deadlines for applying for assistance. The deadline is now November 15th. But officials encourage everyone to apply well in advance.

Many Vermont homeowners, renters, and business owners struggling to recover from Tropical Storm Irene are being encouraged to apply for assistance from FEMA or the Small Business Administration.

VPR's Mitch Wertlieb spoke with Deanna Frazier of FEMA and Carl Sherrill with the SBA, to find out more about what kind of help is available, and about a new deadline for applying.

Click "Listen" to hear the entire interview.

Federal disaster assistance.

Federal Emergency Management Agency.

1-800-621-FEMA