Call FEMA and take a number

RUTH – Your first step toward getting whole again after Hurricane Gustav is to call FEMA at (800) 621-3362 and take a number.

You will need that FEMA registration number once a disaster recovery center is set up in the parish, said Larry Landry of the St. Martin Sheriff’s Office.

Landry, under Sheriff Ronny Theriot, manages homeland security and emergency preparedness in the parish.

Meanwhile, state and FEMA officials will be assessing damage around the parish to verify that

St. Martin qualifies for disaster relief.

It’s just a formality, said Landry, who had accumulated over 800 reports of property damage by Monday afternoon.

“Property owners who received damage will be able to sit face-to-face with a FEMA representative and work on filing their claim,” he said.

Landry said low-interest loan will be available for businesses as well as referrals to the Red Cross and other organizations.

But first you have to call and get a FEMA number, he said.

“They have to register to get FEMA or SBA or any other federal assistance.”

Watch www.techetoday.com for information about the location of the disaster recovery center.