Registration With FEMA Is The First Step To Recovery
Release Date: June 21, 2008
Release Number: 1770-001
» More Information on Nebraska Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
LINCOLN, Neb. -- A federal disaster declaration makes 13 Nebraska counties eligible for disaster assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced. The declaration means assistance will be available to help eligible homeowners, renters and business owners recover from the effects of the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that began on May 22, 2008.
Nebraska counties declared eligible for assistance include Buffalo, Butler, Colfax, Dawson, Douglas, Gage, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kearney, Platte, Richardson, Sarpy and Saunders.
The most important step individuals and business owners can take after the presidential disaster has been declared is to register with FEMA for assistance either by phone or on the Internet. Apply by phone 24 hours a day by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362). People with special speech or hearing needs can call TTY at (800) 462-7585. It will take 20 to 30 minutes to complete the application. Online applications can be made by going to www.fema.gov/assistance.
"We urge residents to apply as soon as possible. They do not have to wait for an insurance inspection to begin the registration process," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Willie G. Nunn.
When residents register for assistance, they will be assigned a 9-digit registration number. This number should be written down and kept safe. It is needed to track the applicant's claim.
"Nebraska and FEMA have a great partnership and we anticipate a smooth operation as we move quickly to assist Nebraskans in their recovery efforts," said State Coordinating Officer Cindy Newsham.
FEMA Community Relations teams are going door-to-door with important information about recovery assistance.
FEMA's assistance programs can help eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance and uninsured personal property loss. Medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster also may be covered, along with other serious disaster-related needs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations to cover uncompensated losses resulting from a declared disaster. Anyone not able to visit a center should call 1-800-659-2955 for SBA assistance or visit 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, 23-Jun-2008 10:01:34