A Road Map to Help Navigate Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: October 2, 2008
Release Number: 1794-004

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Gustav

» En Español

LONG BEACH, Miss. -- Beginning the task of recovering from a hurricane is never easy but there is assistance available for residents to help lead them through this difficult process.

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency say each disaster brings its own set of unique challenges. However, calling the FEMA toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY at 1-800-462-7585 for the speech-and hearing impaired is the first step in the recovery process.  

Michael L. Parker, federal coordinating officer said, "The first step to recovery is registering with FEMA. Whether an individual or household has insurance or not, they should register to find out what types of assistance they may be eligible for.

Once disaster victims register, managers from various assistance programs offered by both the state and FEMA are able to match available resources with victim needs.

"Even if you don't think you qualify, you should go ahead and register because you might have needs FEMA programs can assist you with," said MEMA Director Mike Womack. "Getting registered now will speed up the process down the road."

Here are some estimates on timelines for various state/FEMA services and why they may differ in various places:

Step One - Registration:

If you have insurance, you should contact your insurance agent first. Knowing the amount of coverage your policy provides helps FEMA assist in unmet and underinsured needs. Next, call the FEMA toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY at 1-800-462-7585 for the speech-and hearing impaired. Registration normally takes less than half an hour.

Step Two - Inspections:

Following registration, a FEMA-contracted inspector will contact you to set up a date and time for a property inspection. There is no charge for official inspections. Homeowners should show proof of ownership, and homeowners and renters should be able to prove occupancy. If insurance papers are available, residents should show them to the inspector.  The FEMA inspection process will include a search for structural damage of your building.  A FEMA inspector simply verifies and documents damages and does not make decisions about any benefits you may receive.

Step Three - Getting a Check:

If all required information is in order, a check can be issued following your home inspection. An electronic fund transfer (money deposited directly into your bank account) will expedite arrival of assistance.

Other Assistance:

Temporary Housing: If necessary, eligible homeowners and renters may be able to rent an apartment or house for up to two months. Depending on eligibility, assistance may be extended after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements.

SBA Loan: After registering, many applicants, including homeowners, renters and businesses, will receive a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application in the mail. If you receive one, you are strongly urged to complete and return the application to keep the door open for other types of assistance. If a loan is not appropriate, you may be referred to the FEMA Other Needs Assistance (ONA) grant program—but SBA must decline your loan application first. You are not obligated to take an SBA loan if approved, but if the loan is offered and refused, there is no referral to ONA.

Once registered, officials with FEMA, MEMA and SBA urge applicants to visit the  Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located in their county. The DRCs are open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with disaster recovery specialists available to answer questions about their application and provide recovery information.

The locations of the DRCs are:

                

Hancock County
St. Augustine Retreat Center
Convention Center
510 North 2nd Street Raceway Rd.
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520

Harrison County
Disabled American Veterans Hall
2600 23rd Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501

Washington County
1040 South Raceway Rd.
Greenville, MS 38701

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: Thursday, 02-Oct-2008 13:47:09