The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Texans who suffered damage or loss from the March tornadoes and flooding are running out of time to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance. Individuals who had disaster-related damage or losses living in the counties of Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler only have until Wednesday, May 18, to register for FEMA assistance.

Texans can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800- 462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled. For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the March storms at fema.gov/disaster/4266; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.