RALEIGH — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has again extended the time in which residents affected by Hurricane Matthew can apply for federal assistance.
Those who want to apply for federal assistance now have until Monday, Jan. 23. The extension is the second granted to the state by FEMA. The state first requested an extension during the holidays, when there was a noticeable drop in applicants. The latest extension was issued due to the winter weather over the weekend.
“Our top priority this weekend is keeping families safe during the winter storm,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “As soon as conditions improve, I urge hurricane survivors to register with FEMA to see what aid may be available to help them recover and move forward.”
The extension is open to residents in 45 counties designated for so-called federal Individual Assistance. They include Brunswick and Pender counties, as well as Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Camden, Carteret, Chatham, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Tyrrell, Wake, Washington, Wayne and Wilson.
Cooper is encouraging all who were negatively affected by Hurricane Matthew to register with FEMA, including those who have insurance.
“FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but if you are underinsured you may receive help after your claim has been settled,” a press release from Cooper’s office states.
Registering with FEMA is required, and is the first step to receiving federal disaster assistance.
Residents can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. They can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, or 711 and Video Relay Service.
Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
FEMA also has an APP that will residents to apply via cellphone.
For more information on North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Matthew, or to locate a Disaster Recovery Center at which you can apply in person, visit the disaster webpages at FEMA.gov/disaster/4285 or ReadyNC.org.
