Kitsap County added to FEMA assistance list

From KITSAP NEWS Reports

Kitsap County received post- flood help this week with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) adding Kitsap County to the list of counties eligible to receive federal individual assistance. Following this announcement, FEMA opened a help center in Bremerton where residents who suffered flood damage can get information about their individual application. The center is located in the former State of Washington Vehicle Licensing Department at 4841 Auto Center Way.

“People who suffered damages can just come into the new disaster recovery center,” said Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management Spokeswoman Susan May. “Although, FEMA would prefer it if you applied online before coming in.”

The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) provides residents the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from state and federal agencies to find answers to questions about the recovery process.

Phones and computers are available at the DRC for those who still need to register with FEMA.

The deadline for claims concerning public or government property is Jan. 8. There is no deadline set for private claims, although May said the claim period will not go on indefinitely.

“After you apply they will tell you how much you will get in your claim and how long it will take to get it,” May said.

A FEMA news release stated that all parties who suffered damages should apply, even if other avenues for recovery of the damages sustained have not yet been resolved.

When requesting help, applicants will need to supply a current phone number, current address and the address of the damaged property, a social security number if available, general financial information and bank account information for direct deposit. FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate applicants for all losses.

For more information, call (800) 621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or visit www.fema.gov.

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