Michigan residents have until August 31 to apply for federal disaster assistance following severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck the state in April, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. The deadline applies to both FEMA's Individual Assistance program and Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for physical damage.
As of August 23, more than 5,000 applicants had been approved for assistance, with $28,091,691.70 in Individual Assistance funds distributed to support recovery efforts, according to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.
Between April 10 and April 21, severe storms, heavy rain, snowmelt and nine confirmed tornadoes caused widespread damage across 43 counties in Michigan. The National Weather Service issued 13 flash flood warnings, 24 flood warnings and 25 flood advisories during the month.
A federal major disaster declaration approved on June 30 opened the path for FEMA assistance and SBA loans in 27 counties: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw and Wexford.
FEMA assistance provides financial support and direct services to eligible individuals and households with uninsured or underinsured losses from the storms. Survivors can apply online, by calling the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362, or in person at Michigan Disaster Recovery Centers. The SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 handles disaster loan applications and status inquiries.