Register now for disaster relief from FEMA
July 1, 2008
St. Charles County
To be considered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration, St. Charles County residents and businesses that have suffered damages from storms and flooding since June 1, should register immediately.
To register for assistance, homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit groups may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by going to www.fema.gov.
A telephone number and reliable alternate number need to be supplied by those registering in case a call back is necessary. Other information needed is: the address of the damaged property, social security number, current mailing address, a brief description of damages, insurance information (if applicable) and bank account information.
FEMA representatives met with county officials recently and said they will doing assessments in areas hit hard by the flooding of the Mississippi River when the flood water recedes. St. Charles County officials estimate that 300 homes, a mixture of permanent and vacation homes, have been affected by the flooding. A maximum of 30 of those were covered by insurance, the county estimates. FEMA focuses on the uninsured and the underinsured and officials emphasized the key is to register now.
FEMA was told by St. Charles County officials that the main businesses impacted by flooding are those along the Mississippi River such as the marinas, marine services and restaurants. They were also told that Burlington-Northern railroad tracks are in need of repair in the northern portion of the county and the railroad is shut down. In addition, FEMA officials were told that all of the flooded areas along the river remain without electric power.
Currently on a standby basis for displaced persons in St. Charles County is the First United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Drive. But no one has stayed there yet. The shelter can be fully operational in a short period of time. The number is 314-516-2700.
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