Don't Rule Yourself Out
Register For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: February 15, 2008
Release Number: 1744-014
» More Information on Arkansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Local, state and federal officials strongly urge Arkansas homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damages as a result of the Feb. 5 tornadoes to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"Rumors and misunderstandings that accompany disasters may cause some affected residents to disqualify themselves from much-needed help," said Richard Griffin, state coordinating officer for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM).
Recovery officials voiced concern that unreliable word-of-mouth information in distressed neighborhoods and communities may deter eligible individuals and households from seeking assistance from the state and FEMA.
"Being insured, for example, does not automatically disqualify an applicant for assistance," Griffin said. "Although it is true that disaster aid cannot duplicate compensation from insurance, many types of federal and state disaster assistance are available for homeowners and renters to help compensate losses not fully covered by insurance."
Also, Griffin said, Arkansans who registered only with a volunteer agency, such as the American Red Cross, are not automatically registered for federal or state assistance programs. Residents with damages from the tornadoes are still eligible to apply for assistance and need to call and register immediately.
"The last thing you need in a disaster is misinformation," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer, Phil Parr. "And the best way to avoid that problem is to call FEMA and find out what disaster assistance is available to you. Don't rule yourself out. It only takes a phone call. Not making the call will guarantee that you will get no disaster aid."
Homeowners, renters and business owners who are located in one of the eight Arkansas counties designated for federal individual assistance and suffered damage and/or financial loss from the Feb. 5 tornadoes are strongly urged to register online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for those with hearing or speech impairments. Both toll-free lines have operators available from 7 a.m. to midnight CST seven days a week.
The following counties are eligible for individual disaster assistance: Baxter, Conway, Izard, Pope, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, and Van Buren.
Residents also can visit a local Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to speak with representatives from the state, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to discuss the types of assistance available. Residents are urged to apply online or by phone before visiting a DRC.
FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for medical, dental, and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, residents referred to SBA should submit their disaster loan application to remain eligible for grant assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair, and moving and storage expenses.
Low-interest disaster loans from SBA are available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. SBA representatives are at all DRCs to meet individually with each resident or business owner to answer questions, issue applications, help them complete their disaster loan application, and accept their completed applications. Anyone not able to visit a center should call SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visit the website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
ADEM and FEMA work together to coordinate the federal and state governments' roles in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
FEMA coordinates the Federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terrorism.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Feb-2008 09:43:21