Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Ripley County has been added to the list of counties to receive individual assistance for loss sustained during the September 12-October 6 storms and flooding.

The storms were widespread and include 30 counties in Indiana that are eligible for various federal and state disaster recovery programs and services.

According to information from local emergency management agency director Wayne Peace, even if you have insurance coverage, you may be eligible for assistance. He encouraged residents to call the toll-free application number at 1-800-621-3362. This line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. You can also go online at www.fema.gov. Before calling or going online, you should have the following information ready:

• Your legal name. Do not use a nickname or abbreviation.

• Your current phone number and social security number

• A list of damages and losses you suffered.

• The name of your insurance company and your policy number.

• Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.

Property damage, food loss, or even an insurance deductible could be covered through this assistance.

The deadline to apply for assistance is November 24.

Peace has been working hard to make sure people in Ripley County receive needed assistance for losses suffered in the September storm. He has made numerous phone calls, emails and sent pictures to officials, making sure they realized the magnitude of loss suffered locally. All of those things contributed to the county qualifying for individual assistance. He met with FEMA officials last week and will continue to be in touch with them helping local people recover their losses.

Bill Lehman, FEMA Public Affairs, was in the area last week and noted that he has been working closely with Peace.