In the wake of Hurricane Irene, FEMA has arrived on the scene to provide support to storm victims who suffered property damage.

Its mission is to “support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.”

The only way FEMA can complete this mission is to have victims register and complete a disaster loan application with the Small Business Administration.

“Registering with FEMA is the first step toward disaster recovery,” said state Emergency Management Director Doug Hoell. “The second step is completing and returning the SBA loan application.”

Homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations might be eligible for low-interest loans to cover physical damages to property and vehicles, as well as moving and storage expenses. Business can also receive loans for economic losses.

There are several ways to register with FEMA:

• Apply in person at a disaster recovery center.
• Call 800-621-FEMA (3362).
• Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Register using your tablet or smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov.

There is no charge to complete an SBA loan application and no obligation to take a loan, but there is an application deadline: Oct. 31 for physical damage and May 31, 2012, for economic damage.

Don’t delay. Contact FEMA as soon as practical, and let the recovery begin.