Federal officials are worried that only about 300 Northwest Missouri flood victims have registered for disaster assistance. Cynthia Cowell of the Small Business Administration says registration is the first step to getting SBA help for homeowners, renters, and businesses.

Cowell says flood victims might also qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA. She urges anyone with flood losses in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt, Lafayette, and Platte counties to register for help.

Patricia Whitt of FEMA emphasizes that the first step and maybe the most important step in the recovery process is to register with FEMA, even if you have flood insurance. 

You can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s tollfree line at 1.800.621.FEMA.