The City’s Office of Emergency Management is encouraging small businesses and individuals affected by the Jan. 6 through 16, 2009 natural disasters to register for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Once registered with FEMA, they may receive Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications.

While filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept the loan, applicants must complete the SBA loan application before they can be considered for certain other grants and programs.

SBA disaster loans are not only for businesses, a majority of SBA disaster loans are made to homeowners and renters. Homeowners may qualify for low-interest loans to help rebuild or repair their homes and replace personal property . Renters may qualify for loans to repair or replace personal property.

To register and apply for disaster assistance, residents can call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on SBA assistance call SBA at 1-800-659-2955.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance and to complete the SBA loan packets is Tuesday, March 31.