The Federal Emergency Management Agency set up a local site Monday at the Chickasaw County Rescue Squad building, 260 E. Prospect. They are scheduled to stay in New Hampton until 7 p.m. Friday; however, if residents need the services longer, FEMA will extend their stay. 
    FEMA Manager Eva Packer said the on-site staff are there to help, and she encouraged area residents who have experienced any kind of damage to their businesses, homes, cars or personal property to sign up with FEMA. Those who have travel expenses or loss of time from work because of the recent flooding are also encouraged to register. FEMA representatives said those who were in flooded areas, even if they don't think they had any damage, should at least register with FEMA.
    Call FEMA at 866-434-4692 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday to get a registration number before going to the local FEMA site. New Hampton agents will help people fill out the necessary application forms.
    “We go out to a known location with damage and then we also canvass the area to let people know that they should at least call and register with FEMA,” said Joseph Bonaccorse, FEMA community relations.
    People can sign up at any FEMA location, even if they do not live in the county where the office is located. Packer said         FEMA will be set up next week at the community center in Nashua. Representatives will be available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
    FEMA will be set up next week at the community center in Nashua. Representatives will be available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
    Chickasaw County Emergency Management Agency Director Ken Rasing said residents should contact his office at 641-394-2406 or stop by 116 N. Chestnut, New Hampton, if they need any help.
    “Call with any concerns or if they have any unmet need. I’ll try to get them to the right spot,” he said.
    The U.S. Small Business Administration is also on hand at FEMA locations to walk people through the Federal Disaster Loan applications. SBA Communication Specialist Roger Busch said it is important for those who have been given SBA applications to fill them out and return them to the agency. This is a special program that is not connected with regular SBA services. In addition to businesses of all sizes and private not-for-profit agencies, disaster assistance loans are also available to individuals, homeowners and renters alike. Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Businesses can borrow up to $1.5 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury.
    Those seeking SBA loans must first register with FEMA.
    “The bulk of our loans are to individuals and renters,” said Busch. “We are the bridge between insurance money that may fall short. We are the bank.”
    At the FEMA locations, there also will be a lot of information about preventing future property damage during a disaster. Information is available regarding flood clean-up and mitigation efforts at the disaster recover area. Specifically, information is available to assist with mold issues, relocation/elevation of appliances, and other possible efforts to minimize future flooding threats.
    FEMA Application Assistant James Marquez said those applying for help should bring insurance and property information with them.
    “They should register and then come in to make sure their file is OK,” he added.
    FEMA assistance will only be available for the next few months and then no one will be able to apply after the deadline, so it is important for those in flood-related areas should register even if they believe they do not need the services.