Disaster Recovery Assistance for November Storms Available from Federal Emergency Management Agency
Release Date: December 21, 2006
Release Number: 1671-005
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
LACEY, Wash. -- President George W. Bush approved the State’s request for federal assistance on Dec. 12 to residents and business owners who suffered damages from the Nov. 2-11 flooding and severe storms. This federal disaster recovery declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help with minor home repairs of homes owned by individuals, federal officials said.
“FEMA also may help people – homeowners and renters – who lost personal items, such as a stove, a bed, or tables and chairs,” said Libby Turner, federal coordinating officer. “This same program may help with medical, dental or funeral costs if the losses are caused by the flooding.”
Damage to tribal-owned housing comes under another assistance program. Tribal members that are renters or lessees may apply for the loss of personal property.
Tribal members who had losses from the November storm should apply to FEMA’s toll-free registration number – 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. People who have difficulty speaking or hearing may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Besides FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size, and nonprofit organizations. There are SBA low-interest loans of up to $200,000 to fix or replace homes owned by individuals, up to $40,000 for the repair or replacement of damaged property that belongs to homeowners or renters, and as much as $1.5 million to businesses of any size.
Registering with FEMA is the only way to receive federal disaster recovery help, Turner said.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with State and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Dec-2006 12:57:20