Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced Friday, May 20, 2011, that homeowners, renters and businesses in Hardin County who suffered damages in the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding on April 22, 2011, and continuing, can now begin the process of applying for federal and Commonwealth disaster assistance.

“There are overwhelming costs associated with the damage and losses that these communities and individuals have suffered. These loans can provide needed assistance,” Congressman Guthrie said.

To apply by phone, the number is toll-free             800-621-FEMA       (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for callers with speech or hearing impairments. To register online, go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. The toll-free numbers are available seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., until further notice.

Whether you go online or talk with a teleregistration representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, have the following information ready:

• Name and Social Security number
• Address of the damaged property
• Current address and telephone number
• Insurance information
• Total household annual income
• Bank account information for direct deposit
• Description of your damages

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program can help eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance.

Joint damage assessments continue in other counties and additional counties may be added for IA. Residents that suffered storm and flood related damage are encouraged to document and photo the damage and keep any repair receipts. Please report any damage to you local emergency management.