NEWS AND TRIBUNE
newsroom@newsandtribune.com
> SOUTHERN INDIANA —
There is just a few days left to apply for aid for those impacted by the tornadoes that struck Southern Indiana from Feb. 29 through March 3.
The last day for residents of six Southern Indiana counties to register for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and apply for low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration is Tuesday, May 8.
Storm-impacted residents and business owners in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick or Washington counties are urged to register for federal aid and submit their loan applications as soon as possible, according to a press release. Representatives of FEMA and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security also advised storm survivors to submit required insurance settlement information with FEMA as soon as possible. While those impacted have 12 months from the date of their FEMA decision letter to file any required insurance settlement information, the quicker FEMA receives insurance settlement information, the sooner an application for FEMA funding may be processed.
Hoosiers who received a SBA loan application are also encouraged to complete it and return it as soon as possible. Information provided could determine whether a storm-impacted individual qualifies for other forms of FEMA assistance, according to the release. Even after being approved for a loan, there is no requirement to accept the entire, or any portion of the approved loan amount.
For more information contact the SBA Customer Service Center at: 1-800-659-2955; hearing-impaired individuals may call TTY 1-800-877-8339; or by email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Loan application forms may be downloaded from SBA’s website www.sba.gov and applicants may also apply for SBA loans online by visiting https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
For more information or to check the status of a FEMA application call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362); for speech or hearing-impaired applicants call TTY 1-800-462-7585; and video relay service may be accessed by calling 1-800-621-3362. The lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days-a-week. Online registration is available through www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Smart phone or tablet registration is possible by visiting m.fema.gov.
Construction scams possible in storm ravaged areas
The Indiana State Police is warning those affected by the March 2 tornadoes to be cautious and alert when it comes to construction crews going door-to-door asking to perform repairs on your property, or asking for advance payment for materials or labor.
Recent complaints in the Indianapolis area about a specific contractor’s business practices resulted in the Indiana Attorney General launching an investigation, according to a press release. The target of the attorney general’s investigation is also alleged to have been in Henryville looking for construction work.
The Indiana State Police said follow basic tips to avoid scammers: ask the representative for references from former clients and then call or visit those references; do not let the representative intimidate or pressure you into the work; call the Better Business Bureau and check for past complaints; obtain quotes from other businesses that you know to be legitimate; always have a written contract outlining what is going to be done, how much it will cost, and how long it will take to complete the job; and never pay up front.
While there are legitimate businesses that come to your home to solicit work, consumers should always check on the business before allowing any work to be done.
For more information, tips, or to file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General visit: www.indianaconsumer.com/consumer_guide/home_improvement.asp
