Report your storm damage to FEMA

Norwich, Conn. (WTNH) - A March flood devastated parts of the state and now there is money available to help those affected.

Hundreds of homeowners and businesses said they needed it, the state even appealed to the feds to get it, but FEMA says it's not getting the flood of applications for assistance that it was expecting.

News 8 visited with Dorothea Schmitt in Norwich not too long after the floods. She says she got lucky the water only came up a few inches and didn't hit the motor of her freezer. But she, like many others, may be eligible for some FEMA help they're not aware of.

"I did not apply because I did not think I had that much damage," she said.

Schmitt is not alone. Many more though haven't applied because they registered their damage with the state through the 2-1-1 system and didn't realize that does not also register them for FEMA.

"FEMA thinks perhaps hundreds of families still have not registered for federal assistance that they might be eligible for," said John Mills of FEMA.

After registering, a FEMA inspector will come to your home. Schmitt may not have lost belongings but there could be water damage or mold growing in her walls.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Norwich is one of six statewide where folks will get help applying for federal aid, SBA low interest loans and there's mitigation tips to prevent damage from future storms. But first folks need to register by phone or on line.

"At some point there will be a deadline and then you can't register after that," Mills said.

For more information on getting disaster assistance people can call 1-800-621-3362 or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov