ST. LOUIS – St. Louis City has asked FEMA to extend the disaster assistance application deadline from Aug. 11 to Oct. 10.

“We submitted that application for the extension last week. We believe we made a very, very, very strong case,” St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said Monday.

A FEMA representative told FOX 2 News the agency has granted such extensions in the past for “areas with severe widespread impacts.” Spencer said more than 100 people a day are visiting the three disaster assistance centers set up in St. Louis.

• Urban League Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center – 4401 Natural Bridge Ave.
• Sumner High School – 4248 Cottage Ave.
• Union Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church – 626 N. Newstead Ave.

These centers operate weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also contact FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance with their applications.

“We know there’s still a gap. We’re in the process right now through partners at the Board of Alderman and throughout the nonprofit and volunteer community that are knocking on doors right now,” the mayor said.

As the current deadline draws closer, Spencer says the city is sharing data with FEMA.

“It’s allowed us to pinpoint the exact households that still need to be interacting and applying for those funds,” she said.

Spencer says together, they’ve identified 700 storm victims who’ve yet to apply for assistance. Those who have applied have received $31 million in FEMA disaster relief funds in the St. Louis area following the May 16 storm. More than 6,700 people in St. Louis City have been approved for assistance.

“We’re doing what we believe is everything possible to not only see that extension through but get the folks that need that assistance the ability and the information they need to make that decision and move forward with the applications,” Spencer said.

We should know this week if the deadline is extended until Oct. 10. Regardless – FEMA tells us getting the initial application started is key. They say you don’t need to have everything finalized from the get-go. Applications can be modified over time – and FEMA encourages applicants to stay in touch with the agency about their needs even after filing. You can apply for assistance in person at one of the local centers, over the phone, or online.

• Stay in touch with FEMA about your needs
• Keep receipts for disaster-related purchases
• Provide contractor estimates for repairs
• Read your letter from FEMA carefully

For the May 16 disaster, the deadline to apply with FEMA is currently August 11.

After the deadline, you are encouraged to stay in touch with FEMA about your needs. Just make sure you submit your initial application before the deadline.

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.