Disaster assistance available in 2 towns

AUGUSTA – A mobile Disaster Recovery Center will be moving through disaster-affected communities in Penobscot County to assist individuals and business owners affected by the flooding that occurred beginning April 28.

Those affected are encouraged to first register for assistance online at www.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Registration assistance will be available seven days a week until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 800-462-7585.

The mobile Disaster Recovery Center will operate 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for two days, rotating between two locations:

. Milford (May 23-24 and May 28-29) – town hall, 52 Davenport St.

. East Millinocket (May 26-27 and May 30-31) – public safety building, 125 Main St.

Disaster Recovery Centers will be staffed with recovery specialists who are available to assist applicants who have follow-up questions. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Maine Emergency Management Agency, voluntary agencies and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand. In addition, materials on assistance programs and mitigation plans outlining how to reduce damage from future disasters also will be made available.

FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate those affected by disaster for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. FEMA’s temporary housing and financial assistance for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers real estate, business losses, personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

For information, contact Lynette Miller at the Maine Emergency Management Agency, 624-4420, or Michael Lampton at the U.S. Small Business Administration, (404) 331-0333.