Nov. 26 last day to apply for disaster aid from state
The August floods were more than two months ago, and while it is not too late to apply for state disaster aid, the deadline is fast approaching.
Applications must be filed by Nov. 26.
Village officials in Carpentersville and East and West Dundee want to remind homeowners, renters and businesses who sustained losses or damages that they may be eligible for assistance from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
More information is available at fema.gov or by calling (800) 621-3362. These are the only ways to apply for assistance.
When applying, applicants must have the following information available:
Social Security number
daytime telephone number FEMA can call back
current mailing address of where you are staying
address and zip code of damaged property
private insurance information, if available.
FEMA has also set up a temporary Disaster Recovery Center at Kane County's North Campus, 530 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
The following information, taken from the FEMA Web site, will help residents, business owners and renters learn more about available funds.
Government disaster funds may be used for rental assistance if you are unable to live in your residence because of the disaster.
The funds may also cover costs of essential repairs, not covered under insurance, to make your home safe, sanitary and functional.
Personal property funds may be used for essential repairs to or to replace appliances and furniture.
Limited funds may also be available in specific circumstances to replace a disaster-destroyed home.
In some cases, money for medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, and other expenses not covered by insurance or other aid may be available.
The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers low-interest loans to renters, homeowners, business owners and non-profit organizations that suffered loss due to the August storms.
Homeowners are eligible to borrow up to $200,000 for real estate repairs.
Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $400,000 for replacement of disaster-damaged personal property.
Businesses may apply for up to $1.5 million for losses not fully covered by insurance.
Small Business Administration loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate or personal property. The loan may also be increased up to 20 percent to spend on protective improvements that may help prevent damage in the future.
Change those batteries
Local fire chiefs want residents to take the time to check the batteries in their home's smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when they turn their clocks back an hour for daylight saving time
This year, we gain another hour of sleep (or partying time) beginning at 2 a.m. on Sunday.
So remember, turn your clocks back and check the batteries.