ST. LOUIS–(KMOX)–FEMA is urging victims of tornados and flooding in Missouri to register for federal assistance as soon as possible. 

So far, five Missouri counties — St. Louis, Butler, Mississippi, New Madrid and Taney — have received presidential disaster declaration , and some 30 more Missouri counties are under assessment.

Victims of weather-related disasters in those five counties should move fast to register for help,  says FEMA’s federal Coordinating Officer for Missouri, LIbby Turner.

“At this point we have nearly a thousand registrations and close to $400,000 that has been approved in federal disaster assistance,” Turner said.

Victims can apply for a variety of programs – for housing, replacement of personal property,  medical, dental and funeral expenses.   People with un-insured personal property losses can also apply for low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration .  And FEMA offers crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance,  or help with income tax, social security and veterans benefits.  

Turner declined to estimate the dollar amount of the damage in Missouri from the recent flooding and tornados.

“You know, it’s too early to tell,” Turner said, “Damage assessment is ongoing in other counties in the southern part of the state, and we really won’t know what we’re looking at until those assessments are completed.”

Victims can register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or register on line at disasterassistance.gov

Mobile applications for smart phones can be filed at  m.fema.gov

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