Homeowners, renters and business owners with expenses resulting from this spring's severe storms and flooding have just one week to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Tuesday. The governor's news release continues here:

"We are urging people to register with FEMA before the deadline of Tuesday, July 27," Gov. Rell said.  "Register online or call the hotline.  Either way, make sure you do so right away in order to qualify for help."

The deadline to return loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is also July 27.

FEMA registrations can be completed online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 800-462-7585, 7 a.m to 10 p.m.

So far, more than $7 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for individuals and households in Connecticut. 

As of Monday, July 19, the figures were:

• 3,681 individuals in designated counties have registered for disaster assistance with FEMA;
• $4,383,365  has been disbursed for temporary housing and home repairs;
• $244,276  in Other Needs Assistance has been disbursed for personal property loss, medical costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance;
• 3,438 SBA loan applications have been issued to individuals and businesses. SBA loan applications should be returned to determine if applicants are eligible for other types of assistance.
• $2,659,200 in SBA assistance has been approved.

Applicants may also get help by calling the SBA Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 800-659-2955. Applicants may also visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.