News file photo Flooding near the intersection of Princeton Avenue and St. Onge Street on April 15.

ALPENA–The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced on July 2, that residents and businesses in 27 counties across Michigan could be eligible for federal disaster assistance to help recover from April’s tornadoes, severe storms and flooding.

This includes several northern counties such as:

– Alpena

– Presque Isle

– Alcona

– Iosco

– Cheboygan

– Emmet

– Charlevoix

“If your home was damaged or personal property was affected by the storms and catastrophic flooding and tornadoes in that incident period, we encourage folks to apply and see if you might be eligible for financial assistance,” Daniel Bernardy, Media Relations Specialist with FEMA, said.

The state experienced several severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that left hundreds of residents displaced or stranded, according to a state press release on April 15.

How do I know if I am eligible to apply and what am I eligible for?

Bernardy said anyone whose homes or other private property were damaged due to storms, flooding or tornadoes in the designated 27 counties is eligible for assistance. Property must have sustained damage between April 10 through April 21.

FEMA will determine eligibility after applying.

“We encourage folks to apply and see if you might be eligible for financial assistance,” Bernardy said.

The resources that residents and business owners are eligible for depends on the situation, Bernardy said.

This could include grants for temporary housing and repairs, low-cost loans for property losses that were not insured and other programs.

“There’s room at the table,” Bernardy said. “Let us help you determine your eligibility and we’ll guide you through that process.”

How do I apply?

Bernardy said an insurance claim must be filed first. If you received a denial letter from your insurance about assisting you, then reach out to FEMA.

There are three ways residents and business owners can apply including going online, using the FEMA app or calling 1-800-621-3362.

According to the FEMA website, those who apply will need proof of identification, contact information, social security number, annual household income, banking information and insurance information.

Bernardy said applications will involve answering questions and filling out paperwork, but it depends on the individual’s situation.

“It can be as fast as filling out paperwork, and then whatever a standard turnaround time will be, a few days to a few weeks, depending on how complicated somebody’s case is,” he said.

Eight Disaster Recovery Centers will also be opening on Monday statewide for residents and business owners who want to seek help in person with the help of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.

These locations will include:

– City of Cadillac Water Operations Facility

– Crawford County Emergency Operations Center

– Evart Area Fire Department

– Gun Plain Township Fire Department

– Inspire Church in Fremont

– Kaliseum Recreational Center in Kalkaska

– North Allis Township Hall

– Perrinton Community Center in Perrinton

Specialists from the Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available at two centers, including the City of Cadillac Water Operations Facility and Indian River Chamber of Commerce for those looking to get recovery assistance for their businesses.

Mobile centers and pop-up sites will also open throughout the state, according to a press release from the Michigan State Police. An interactive map showing the location and hours can be found on the Michigan website.

Specialists at these centers will be available to assist in filling out applications for Individual Assistance, SBA disaster loan programs, uploading documents and more.

Residents will be able to sign up from now until Aug.31.