August 31, 2011
DR-1981-ND NR-062
As the end of summer approaches, homeowners should ensure that their home-heating systems are in good working order, especially ones damaged by the spring floods.
Federal disaster assistance may cover furnace repairs that are related to severe storms and flooding that occurred from Feb. 14 through July 20. It also may be available for cleaning and testing the flood-damaged furnace, or for replacement if the furnace is destroyed.
If the need for repair or replacement is discovered after a homeowner receives disaster assistance to cover cleaning and testing expenses, the resident may file an appeal for additional disaster funds.
Residents living in the following disaster-declared counties who had flood damage to their furnaces should register for assistance: Barnes, Benson, Burleigh, McHenry, Morton, Ramsey, Renville, Richland, and Ward, as well as the Spirit Lake Nation. Call: 800-621-3362 (also applies for VRS and 711-Relay users) or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free line is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Individuals may also register for disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov or with a smart phone at m.fema.gov.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services provides 24/7 emergency communications and resource coordination with more than 50 lead and support agencies, private enterprise, and voluntary organizations to assist local jurisdictions in disaster and emergency response activities. It administers federal disaster recovery programs and the Homeland Security Grant Program.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term repair and rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call (800) 659-2955 (TTY 800-977-8339).
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585. Follow us on twitter @femaregion8.