CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today urged victims of the recent floods to begin registering with FEMA to find out if they qualify for individual assistance.

Citizens should call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-3362. FEMA's central office will walk flood victims through the registration process, and then field teams will be dispatched to do follow up work. FEMA is expected to open an office in Keene next week.

President Bush on Wednesday signed a declaration authorizing individual assistance (for people and households) in Cheshire, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack and Sullivan counties.

"Citizens who suffered flood damage in these counties should call FEMA and begin the registration process," Gov. Lynch said. "FEMA's financial assistance will be important to helping people begin rebuilding their lives."

Gov. Lynch also encouraged New Hampshire citizens to support the flood relief efforts to help families recover from losses that may not be covered by FEMA.

The State of New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund will distribute money to local charities to help flood victims. Checks should be made out to the State of NH, Disaster Relief, and mailed to 25 Capital St., Room 121, Concord, NH 03301.

In addition, WMUR, and other media outlets, will host a fund drive tomorrow to benefit a special legislatively established disaster relief fund for the victims of the floods. WMUR will host the telethon between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on tonight.