FEMA to begin accepting assistance applications from Newton County residents affected by flooding

(From the Newton County Director of Emergency Management)

Good Afternoon,

 As most already know, President Trump approved Gov. Greitens request for a Federal Declaration last week. 

Historically, individuals are given 60 days after the declaration to register for federal assistance, therefore, it is important we encourage citizens (if they were affected by the flooding) to register in a timely manner. 

Registration for assistance may be completed on-line (www.DisasterAssistance.gov) or over the telephone (1-800-621-3362). The phone calls are accepted from 0600-2200. Individuals registering need to have the following available when they call (go on-line):

Social Security Number 

Address of damaged home/apartment 

Description of damage 

Information about insurance coverage 

Telephone number 

Current mailing address 

Bank account and routing number 

Citizens need to keep in mind FEMA cannot duplicate insurance assistance, however citizens may be eligible to receive assistance for items not covered.

 I expect to see FEMA DSA (Disaster Survivor Assistance) teams in Newton County starting tomorrow. 

These teams go out into the affected areas to assist individuals with registering for Federal Assistance….they will not be writing checks. 

Citizens are encouraged to go ahead and register now, without waiting for FEMA to come knock on their doors. 

The DSA teams will wear items of clothing readily identifying them with SBA or FEMA, and have official badging. 

Due to the sensitive nature of information needed to register, when I meet with the team lead tomorrow morning, I will get a copy of the badging and forward it to area Law Enforcement. I am certain at some point in this process, those with less than honorable intentions will attempt to prey on these victims, and I am equally certain at some point a citizen will call in with concerns a legitimate FEMA rep is up to something nefarious. 

As I learn information for the Public Assistance “kick off” meetings, I will share. Lastly, for reference, I have attached the press release to the bottom of the e-mail. 

Charla Geller

Director Newton County Office of Emergency Management 

202 W. Brook St. Neosho MO 64850 417-451-4357