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  • Federal Emergency Management Agency manufactured homes, seen Monday at the Cullman County Ag Center, are still available for those displaced by the April 27 tornadoes. Amanda Shavers-Davis

    FEMA deadline near

Discussion

June 21, 2011

FEMA deadline near

Cullman County’s disaster relief center closing June 27

By David Palmer The Cullman Times

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are encouraging area residents to register by the June 27 deadline, because without that one step, storm-relief assistance cannot be possible.

“That’s really our big push right now, calling people’s attention to the deadline. Even if you are uncertain if you need or qualify for assistance, it’s important to register,” said Nate Custer, public information officer for FEMA.

Cullman County’s disaster relief center may well stay open past the 10 p.m., June 27 deadline as long as residents are coming by to ask questions or look for updates on their claims. Custer said the center will stay open until the agency determines that it is no longer needed locally.

“A lot of people may be staying with friends or family after losing their homes, but that situation may change. That’s one reason why it is important, because if that living arrangement comes to an end, what are you going to do?” Custer said.

Even if someone does not see an immediate need to apply, damage that was not noticed just after the storm could be found. Assistance cannot be offered without registering with FEMA, Custer said.

“The deadline on June 27 is  for FEMA and the Small Business Administration. If you register, you can still inquire about your case or ask other questions because you will be in the system,” Custer said.

FEMA also has manufactured homes available for those without other options. The rule, however, is that anyone interested in a manufactured home must register.

“You may have other living arrangements, but if that comes to an end the manufactured home could become an option,” Custer said. “The preferred option is to secure rental property for anyone needing temporary quarters, but the manufactured homes are available for those who register on time.”

FEMA reports that hundreds of families across Alabama are using the agency’s manufactured homes. Certain rules apply for using the manufactured homes. The site must be free of debris and have utilities available.

Custer said the majority of the manufactured homes are on private sites.

To date, 5,598 residents in Cullman County have registered for assistance. FEMA has awarded more than $2.3 million to local residents.

The disaster recovery center for the area is located at the Cullman Civic Center. The toll-free number to call for assistance is 1-800-621-3362.



* David Palmer may be reached at 256-734-2131, Ext. 213, or via email at dpalmer@cullmantimes.com.

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