Disaster Aid For New Hampshire Floods Tops $3.5 Million
Release Date: June 9, 2006
Release Number: 1643-011
» More Information on Maine Severe Storms and Flooding
NEWINGTON, N.H. -- Two weeks after the presidential disaster declaration for New Hampshire, more than $3.5 million in state and federal disaster aid has been approved to help residents and businesses recover from flood-related losses resulting from the severe storms and floods that wreaked havoc on six counties.
State Coordinating Officer Mike Poirier of the Bureau of Emergency Management, said the number of total applicants may rise as homeowners, renters and businesses realize aid is available and their insurance may not adequately cover all losses.
“We are committed to getting people back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Clark said, “and will continue to process disaster claims until all residents have received the recovery aid to which they are entitled.”
The following is a summary of ongoing recovery efforts thru close of business, June 7:
- To date 2,969 applicants from the six declared counties (Belknap, Carroll, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham and Strafford) have called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at
1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) to apply for state and federal aid.
- 1,534 individuals and families have been approved for Disaster Housing Assistance of $3,147,408 to help with temporary housing and essential home repairs.
- 543 residents have been approved for $197,864 in Others Needs Assistance to help meet serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Examples include personal property replacement, along with moving and storage, transportation and other necessary expenses.
- To date 454 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers in Concord, Manchester, Raymond and Rochester seeking information about recovery programs. A center will be open at the Salem Town Hall for two days on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10.
- Thus far, FEMA inspectors have completed 1,937 inspections of damaged property. Most were completed within three to five days of initial registration, depending on applicant and inspector schedules.
- 2574 applications have been issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest home repair/personal property loans to homeowners and renters, along with 296 business loan applications.
- Seven Community Relations outreach teams continue to work with local officials and organizations in the declared counties to inform residents and businesses about available state/federal disaster assistance programs. The teams also go door-to-door, encouraging those with damages to apply for assistance.
- Briefings are being conducted for state, cities, towns and eligible non-profits to apply to FEMA’s Public Assistance program to provide funds for the repair of roads, bridges, public buildings and debris removal.
Residents and business owners with flood-related losses are urged to begin the application process immediately by calling, toll-free, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Trained personnel are available to take applications from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 12:00:45