Toll-Free Number Set Up for Flood Aid

A toll-free telephone number has been made available by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for residents seeking disaster assistance after last month’s devastating floods.

The Disaster Application Center, located in the Blakey Building in Blakey Park, 8612 Westminster Blvd., has ended its disaster registration assistance. However, Small Business Administration representatives will remain at the location from 10 am. to 7 p.m. daily, to explain the SBA disaster loan program and to accept completed loan applications.

Residents and businesses suffering property damage from the storms can register for assistance through April 27 by calling (800) 462-9029 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. Those with hearing or speech impairment can call (800) 462-7585.

After the federal and state governments declared a state of emergency in the Southland, low-interest government disaster loans were made available for residents and business owners in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties who were hurt by the storms.

Homeowners who suffered uninsured losses may be eligible for up to $100,000 to repair storm damage to their homes, and up to $20,000 to replace personal property damaged in the storm.

Renters may be eligible for up to $20,000 for personal property losses, and businesses may be eligible for up to $500,000 to repair storm damage to buildings, inventory and equipment.