August 1 final call for in-person FEMA assistance from March floods

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Friday is the last day to visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) centers in the Rio Grande Valley for emergency aid from the storms and floods that took place between March 26 and 28.

By 7 p.m. Friday, all submissions must be complete. Otherwise, those in need of help will have to submit their applications online.

"For those that come after the Friday deadline, you now have to continue your cases by calling 1(800)-621-3362 and speaking with a representative," said Alberto Pillot, FEMA Public Information Officer.

He says this is the last opportunity for Valley residents to speak one-on-one with a FEMA representative.

"If you receive any letters from FEMA that you do not understand, if you haven't had an inspection done, if you're doing an appeal, appeal means you have 60 days from the date of the letter you received, and if you don't understand what this letter is about you can still come here and speak with a representative to see what your case is specifically about.

"Don't take matters into your own hands, if you get a letter and don't understand it just come here to the center by Friday at 7 p.m. and speak with a representative," Pillot said.

As of Thursday, FEMA has helped register over 20,000 applicants who were affected by the floods. Additionally, over $81 million have already been approved to help Valley residents.

The following are the locations where FEMA will be available until 7 p.m. Friday:

Cameron County
- Harlingen Convention Center, located at 701 Harlingen Heights, Harlingen, TX 78552

- San Benito Parks and Recreation Bldg., located at 705 N. Bowie St., San Benito, TX. 78586

Hidalgo County
- Weslaco EDC, located at 275 S. Kansas Ave., Weslaco, TX 78596

-Pharr Development & Research Center, located at 850 W. Dicker Road, Pharr, TX. 78577

"Just because FEMA leaves doesn't mean your case stops. You will just have to do it over the phone," Pillot said.

The number to call is 1(800)-621-3362.