$20 Million in Aid Already Approved; Important to Register 

Release Date: September 16, 2008
Release Number: 1786-026

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BATON ROUGE, La. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already approved $20 million in disaster aid for Louisiana residents. More than 385,000 homeowners, renters and businesses registered with FEMA because of hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

If you were a victim of either storm, FEMA urges you to register soon, online if possible. Those who were impacted by both storms will need to register twice, once for each storm.

Due to heavy call volume, those who have minimal damage are encouraged to wait so that those with more damage can register first. Also, those with Internet access are strongly encouraged to register for assistance online. Those who need to register by phone may be able to reduce their wait time by calling during off-peak hours between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. CDT and on Sundays. 

In an effort to speed up the registration process and reduce people’s wait time on the phone, FEMA has added additional staff, brought in contractors and organized teams within the agency to assist. It is also possible for several different households to register with only one call. A family member from one household can call to register and then pass the phone to a family member from a different household. It is important to note that only one family member per household should register.

Residents may register online at www.fema.gov or by phone. The numbers are 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585, and calls can be taken in any language. Either online or by phone, the system is open 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice. The whole registration process takes about 20 minutes.

Federal aid to individuals and households may come in the form of FEMA grants and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to repair or replace damaged property. Although the aid provided is not designed to cover all losses, it can help people return to livable housing.

Residents are encouraged to register whether they have insurance or not. However, if a resident has insurance, he or she should contact their insurance agent first. The registration process goes more quickly if residents have the following information close at hand:

For the latest information on recovery from hurricanes Gustav and Ike, visit www.emergency.louisiana.gov.  

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 26-Sep-2008 13:25:26