FEMA assistance approved for Travis County

Travis County residents and business owners whose properties sustained damage during the heavy storms last month (Oct. 22-31) are eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to an announcement from the city, “Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral costs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.” The announcement encourages eligible residents to register with FEMA even if they have registered with other disaster-relief organizations or are already insured – although FEMA can’t duplicate insurance payments, it can provide relief for those who are underinsured. Registration is available online or by phone, seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Both the city of Austin and Travis County continue to compile updated information online as it becomes available.