FEMA is coordinating the assistance, which includes grants to pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster related expenses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) will also provide low-interest loans for expenses that are not fully covered by insurance. However, homeowners and business owners are urged to contact their insurance companies before calling to report losses or to request aid.

Residents with severe damage to their homes and who may need emergency housing or other services will receive priority status. FEMA officials are asking residents with only minor damage to their property to wait several days to call for assistance.

Residents and business owners can call 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY for the hearing and speech impaired) to apply for aid. The toll free lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The disaster aid from FEMA will also allow the county to apply for federal funds to pay 100 percent of the approved costs for the removal of debris and for emergency services related to Hurricane Ivan.