November 22nd Deadline To Register For FEMA Aid
Release Date: November 17, 2004
Release Number: 1552-054
» More Information on Puerto Rico Tropical Storm Jeanne and Resulting Landslides and Mudslides
SAN JUAN, P.R. -- Disaster recovery officials remind residents affected by Tropical Storm Jeanne who have not yet registered for assistance to do so. Monday, November 22, 2004 is the last day to register for state and federal disaster assistance.
“The only way to register with FEMA is by calling the toll-free registration line, 1-800-621-3362.” said Peter Martinasco, Federal Coordinating Officer.
Residents who applied for disaster assistance or received assistance from other Commonwealth or municipal agencies, such like the Department of the Family, American Red Cross or made an inquiry or claim with the municipal emergency management office or at the local Police Department, were not automatically registered with FEMA.
Those who sustained damages or losses due to the storm and still have not applied for assistance are urged to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585, for those who are hearing impaired), as soon as possible. Both phone lines are available from 6 a.m. to midnight, until further notice.
“Even after the deadline, FEMA will still be only a telephone call away. Applicants may reach FEMA by calling the Helpline at 1-800 621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585). The Helpline is a permanent FEMA service,” he added.
Helpline representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., to answer any questions about the assistance process or the status of the applications. The Helpline will not be affected by the November 22, 2004 registration deadline. Applicants may also visit any of the Disaster Recovery Centers located in Aguada, Canóvanas, Fajardo, Santa Isabel and Ciales. The centers are open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Nov-2004 11:57:37