Disaster Assistance Deadline Extended

Storm victims will have an extra 30 days to register for disaster assistance.

State and federal authorities announced Saturday that they have extended the registration deadline to May 8.

“We want to be sure that everyone affected by the El Nino storms since Feb. 2 has the opportunity to register for assistance,” said Dorothy M. Lacey, coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Ventura is one of 40 California counties designated by President Clinton as federal disaster areas.

Homeowners, renters and business owners may be eligible for several state and federal aid programs, including temporary housing and minor home repairs. Low-interest disaster loans also are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover residential and business losses not fully covered by insurance.

“This 30-day extension allows residents whose damages occurred late in the series of El Nino-generated storms to get a fair chance to register for assistance,” said Richard Andrews, a coordinator for the state Office of Emergency Services.

Disaster victims who already have registered can check the status of their applications or get answers about federal and state disaster assistance programs by calling the Helpline at (800) 525-0321.

The Helpline is open seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those with speech and hearing impairments may call TTY: (800) 660-8005.