FEMA Approaches $1 Million in Disaster Assistance to Nebraskans:
Almost all funds are in the hands of those who registered for help
Release Date: July 7, 2008
Release Number: 1770-013
» More Information on Nebraska Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
LINCOLN, Neb. -- Close to $715,000 are in the hands of Nebraskans who suffered losses because of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began on May 22, 2008. Another $100,000 is awaiting disbursement, for a total of $815,000 approved. The announcement came today from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"We continue to urge anyone who lives, works or owns a business in a declared county and had storm or tornado damage to apply for assistance," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn. "No one should assume they are not eligible and miss out on disaster aid."
The counties included in the declaration are Buffalo, Butler, Colfax, Custer, Dawson, Douglas, Gage, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kearney, Lancaster, Platte, Richardson, Sarpy and Saunders. The number to call for anyone who had damage to their homes or business or suffered job losses is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech- or hearing- impaired. Applications are also taken online at www.fema.gov/assistance.
The following is a report of disaster recovery assistance for Nebraska as of close of business Sunday, July 6:
- More than 1,000 individuals called FEMA's toll-free registration numbers or registered online.
- $815,000 in total funds is approved for Nebraskans affected by the disaster;
- Close to $715,000 of the total amount is in the hands of people who had eligible housing needs and eligible other needs that were not covered by insurance:
- $100,000 of the total amount is being processed;
- More than 730 inspections are completed on 754 properties reported.
- Disaster Recovery Centers have assisted 850 visitors.
"The Disaster Recovery Centers are a good source of information and follow-up once people have called and registered with FEMA," said State Coordinating Officer Cindy Newsham. "Anyone affected by the disaster is encouraged to visit a center to talk face-to-face with a recovery specialist and to check the status of their application."
Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Ceresco, Kearney, Lexington, Omaha and Schuyler. Center addresses are available by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 or by checking online at www.fema.gov. Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday; closed Sundays. Phones lines are open 24 hours a day.
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 terror.
This release has been modified from its original version.
Last Modified: Monday, 07-Jul-2008 17:07:03