FEMA Extends Proof of Loss Deadline for Irene

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced a 60-day extension for the proof of loss deadline for flood victims of Hurricane Irene from Nov. 23 to Jan. 23, 2012, under the National Flood Insurance Program.

The extension goes into effect for flood policyholders in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia with dates of loss between Aug. 26 and Sept. 4.

“We've extended the registration deadline for people who–for whatever reason–have not had the opportunity to register for assistance,” said William L. Vogel, FEMA's federal coordinating officer. “The goal is to ensure all eligible Irene survivors have the chance to seek assistance.”

Representatives from FEMA previously encouraging residents to file applicable claims.

There are three ways to register: go to www.disasterassistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA toll-free, 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.

The extension applies to proof of loss claims only, and not to individual assistance.

To date, FEMA has approved more than $267 million in assistance to disaster survivors from Hurricane Irene and has approved 48,775 registrations since Aug. 31.

Applicants are reminded to keep their FEMA information updated, but not to register more than once. Duplicate registrations will delay processing an application.

Editor's note: A previous version of this article contained language confusing the proof of loss applications with individual applications. The extension deadline applies only to proof of loss claims. The article also contained a statement that over $145 million had been approved in FEMA assistance. The new amount is over $267 million. Chatham Patch apologizes to our readers.