Deadline nears for disaster assistance

CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - People affected by flooding in March have just a few more days to apply for federal aid. Carroll County Emergency Management Director Dave McDowell said 85 homes were damaged in the county. Only 45 residents have filed for assistance. This means less than half of those who could be getting help to raise their homes and rebuild their lives, have not done so yet. But people like James Warrington, whose home was destroyed by floods in 2008 and again in 2009, have already filed for assistance.

"As soon as I get the aid, I'm going to get it up and get the inside finish so I can move back in as soon as possible," Warrington said.

Warrington is eager get moved back into his home with help from the federal government. After flood waters damaged his home in 2008, he got flood insurance. Dave McDowell said insurance is required for anyone seeking disaster assistance from the federal government. So is applying for aid through the Small Business Administration.

"It is the gateway to getting aid from FEMA. In other words, FEMA will ask you fill this out even if they think you won't get it. If that loan application is not filed out, there is no possibility that FEMA will give you help," McDowell said.

Disaster Assistance of Northwest Indiana supervisor John Mayfield said the name of the Small Business Administration loan program does confuse people. But he said the loans are available to homeowners.

"They give people low interest home loans to repair their homes," Mayfield said.

On a beautiful day it is hard to imagine the devastating floods that hit this area just a few months ago. But McDowell said the makeup of the river has changed, and residents need to be prepared.

"Get flood insurance and please, please elevate your homes. Each year the river gets shallower, the floods are going to get worse," McDowell said.

To apply for aid click here or call 1(800) 621-3362