Survivors of Maui Fires Should Register With FEMA Now

Survivors of the Maui wildfire are urged to apply for FEMA assistance as soon as possible, FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks said in a call to business leaders in Hawaii yesterday, according to a press release.

FEMA has already provided more than $2.3 million in assistance to more than 1,330 households. More than $800,000 of that is rental assistance. Hooks said FEMA wants all survivors to register as soon as possible.

The call reached about 275 people and was sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“The business community is already active in many ways in supporting the businesses and survivors affected by these wildfires,” Hooks said. “Thank you for all you are doing. Our ask of you is to continue to be involved and work with federal and state partners as part of the whole-of-community effort to provide coordinated support to survivors and help us share information with your employees and customers who are affected.”

There are more than 600 FEMA personnel on the ground in Maui now, reaching out to survivors. FEMA opened a joint disaster recovery center Wednesday where residents can apply for federal disaster assistance. It is located at the University of Maui College. There’s also a number (800-621-3362) where residents can register any time of the day or night.

Officials ask that donating is done responsibly. The best way to donate is by financial contribution via the FEMA app.

So far 110 people have died in the fire and more than 1,000 are missing.