Deadline to register for FEMA Assistance is fast approaching

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — If you or someone you know is still dealing with property damage from the April storms this year there are places right here in the Ohio Valley to get assistance.

Hundreds of people were affected by the storms that came through the Ohio Valley on April 11 and 12. If you are still dealing with any kind of home damage or personal property damage to things like a vehicle or computer, the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is here to help.

A spokesperson for FEMA, Nate Custer says registering for recovery assistance is critical for people especially if there is damage not covered by insurance.

”If you have insurance, you should still register with FEMA because you may be underinsured. There may be items that the insurance doesn’t cover. We always say that insurance is your best line of defense in a disaster. But go ahead, even after calling your insurance company and register with FEMA, because there may be some help forthcoming for you”

Nate Custer – Spokesperson, FEMA

The deadline to register for assistance is Monday, September 3rd. To register you can call 1-800-621-3362, go to their website disasterassistance.gov , visit the Disaster Recovery Center at 25 Armory Drive in Wheeling, or download the FEMA app and register there.

”When you register, you will then get a call from a FEMA inspector. He or she is going to make an appointment and come out and look at your property and see just what the damage was. And for those cases where it can be relatively minor holes in the wall, holes in the roof, things like that, FEMA can consider some money for emergency home repairs.”

Nate Custer – Spokesperson, FEMA

If you have registered and feel the assistance provided was insufficient you have 60 days to appeal the amount of money FEMA provided by visiting one of the disaster recovery centers.

Custer says unfortunately FEMA deals with scammers and fraud on a regular basis, so it is important to make sure you are registering properly.

”Someone may come to your door saying they are from FEMA and for $50, I’ll handle your FEMA application. Well, that’s a fraud right there. We don’t charge any money to register with FEMA. There is no fee involved.”

Nate Custer –Spokesperson, FEMA

Also located at the Disaster Recovery Center is the Small Business Administration which can help with things like rental properties or business locations.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.