NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Even though the deadline to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency has passed, FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) remain in the state to assist individuals, families and businesses that suffered losses from the wildfires that swept Lake and Calaveras counties.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 1, FEMA and SBA have approved more than $27 million in federal disaster assistance for California survivors.

The registration period for federal assistance ended Nov. 23.

During that timeframe, more than 3,700 Californians contacted FEMA for information or registered for assistance with FEMA.

To date more than $11.3 million has been approved. That includes nearly $7.3 million in housing assistance and nearly $4 million for other needs assistance.

Additionally, the SBA has approved more than $16.2 million in low-interest disaster loans to businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) are open in each county and operated by SBA, where SBA customer service representatives continue to meet with business owners and survivors to help close approved disaster loans and explain Economic Injury Disaster Loans with small businesses and private nonprofit organizations.

The Lake County DLOC in Middletown is located at 21256 Washington St. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

FEMA has completed 2,858 home inspections – completing 99 percent of those required.

Those registered are urged to keep in touch with FEMA, especially if there is an address or phone number change.

Survivors can make changes or track their grant status online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.