Arkansans Can Call To Register For Assistance 

Release Date: February 8, 2008
Release Number: 1744-001

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that five counties are now eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from the effects of the tornados that occurred on February 5.

Residents of Baxter, Pope, Sharp, Stone and Van Buren counties are now eligible for individual assistance. Residents who suffered damages in any of the five designated counties should register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech-impaired. The toll-free numbers are available from 7 a.m. to midnight CDT, seven days a week. Residents may also register anytime online at www.fema.gov.

FEMA's Individual Assistance program can help eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, and other serious unmet needs.

"We are pleased to receive the additional federal support in the five counties approved by this disaster declaration," said Richard Griffin, state coordinating officer for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM). "The residents in these areas have been looking for the help these disaster programs can provide while they recover."

Baxter, Conway, Independence, Izard, Pope, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, Union and Van Buren counties were already included in a federal emergency declaration for Public Assistance Categories A and B. These Public Assistance categories provide funds to help local jurisdictions with costs related to debris removal and emergency protective measures. Public Assistance Categories A and B are not for individual assistance.

"We are moving quickly to assist Arkansas with all federal assistance efforts." said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer, Phil Parr. "The ADEM officials are great work partners and we anticipate a smooth operation."

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans can help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations pay for their disaster losses, according to SBA officials. They also will meet with applicants one-on-one and assist them in filling out their loan applications. Anyone not able to visit a center should call 1-800-659-2955 for SBA assistance or visit the website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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: Monday, 11-Feb-2008 10:43:19