Texans affected by the wildfires that burned through many parts of the state starting Aug. 30, have just one month remaining to register for assistance from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The registration deadline is Dec. 8 for wildfire survivors in the 23 counties designated for individual assistance under the major disaster declaration. Dec. 8 is also the deadline to turn in applications for low-interest disaster loans with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

"One month may seem like a long time, but it's surprising how fast it can slip by, especially at this time of the year," Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA said. "Survivors who haven't yet registered with FEMA should do so today so we can see how we may help."

Survivors who want to be considered for federal assistance for wildfire recovery must register directly with FEMA. They can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or by telephone via FEMA's toll-free numbers: 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362. Operators are available from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

To date, more than 3,900 Texas individuals and families have registered with FEMA, opening the door to potential individual assistance grants or low-interest loans from the SBA. The grants and loans are designed to help eligible survivors with temporary housing and to rebuild or repair fire-damaged homes or businesses and repair or replace personal property. So far, FEMA and the SBA have approved grants and loans totaling nearly $25 million.

Texans can follow FEMA tweets about the Texas disaster at www.twitter.com/femaregion6. Other online resources are http://blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

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