Last chance to register with FEMA

NORWICH – The flooding of late June ravaged Chenango County and the surrounding areas. Even though months have gone by, some people have still not registered with FEMA and New York State, and FEMA officials are warning this may be your last chance.

According to Public Information Officer George Barnette, 1,459 people locally have registered with FEMA; however, he believes there are still quite a few people in need who have not. “A lot of people are holding off, figuring out how much money they need and what it’s for,” Barnette said. Barnette doubts that FEMA will extend the deadline for a third time. “You have to get into the system or it doesn’t matter how much you need,” Barnette said.

The longer you wait to register, the longer it will take before the money comes in. Many homeowners who have already registered with FEMA and New York State are still waiting on state and federal aid to make the necessary repairs needed before winter.

“It’s all over the map in terms of when the money comes in,” Barnette said, explaining that many factors determine how long it will take. Once you call and register, an information and registration packet is mailed to you. You generally receive it in a week to ten days, Barnette said. It is up to the person registering to determine how long it will take to fill out and send back. “If you have done your part, and haven’t heard anything within two weeks, call the FEMA help line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362),” Barnette said.