SAIPAN — The CNMI Joint Information Center is reminding residents to safeguard their personal information as they apply for federal disaster relief following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, warning that FEMA registration IDs and other sensitive data should never be shared through unauthorized channels.
The JIC said while community support groups and volunteer organizations can be helpful resources during recovery, they are often private initiatives and are not authorized to collect federal application information on behalf of the government or FEMA.
Residents are advised to treat their FEMA registration ID like a Social Security number or bank PIN. Official agencies will never request registration IDs through unofficial social media channels or unsecured private messages. Anyone who receives such a request should contact CNMI Homeland Security or FEMA directly to verify.
FEMA Individual Assistance applications are accepted online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at (800) 621-3362. SBA disaster loan applications are available at sba.gov/disaster. For local guidance, contact the CNMI Emergency Operations Center at (670) 237-8000.