PROVIDENCE, RI - Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) urged Rhode Islanders impacted by flooding to apply for federal benefits through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline for applications for physical damage to homes, personal property, and businesses is May 28, 2010.

"I want to ensure that all Rhode Islanders know what kind of assistance is out there. The sooner residents apply for federal aid, the sooner they can become eligible for assistance," said Reed. "Even if you have insurance, I urge anyone whose property was affected to register for FEMA Disaster Assistance before the May 28 deadline so you can access federal aid if necessary."

To help Rhode Islanders get started, Senator Reed issued a RI Flood Recovery Resource Guide, which provides step-by-step instructions for applying and a list of important information and key contacts to help flooded property owners and renters.

Homeowners, renters, and businesses of any size may be eligible for low-interest SBA loans to cover disaster-related damages to real and personal property. FEMA may help eligible applicants pay for uninsured or underinsured home repairs or temporary housing. FEMA may also provide grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, transportation, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state, and charitable aid programs.

Rhode Islanders can register by calling: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). FEMA's phone lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EDT and multilingual operators are available.

Rhode Islanders can also download the RI Flood Recovery Resource Guide at www.reed.senate.gov or call Senator Reed's office at (401) 943-3100 or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov for more information and assistance.