Community Relations Specialists Canvas Disaster Area 

Release Date: October 8, 2008
Release Number: 1794-009

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Gustav

LONG BEACH, Miss. -- Community Relations (CR) specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are reaching out to people affected by Hurricane Gustav during the period August 28 to September 28, 2008. 

Teams are canvassing communities in Adams, Hancock, Harrison, Washington and Wilkinson counties offering individuals and small business owner's information about available disaster assistance programs. These programs include grants to help pay for temporary disaster housing needs; grants for essential repairs needed to restore residences that are not safe, sanitary and functional; low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged property; and replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

"CR staff is on the ground to help people get disaster assistance information and assist individuals with the problems they are facing," said Michael L. Parker, FEMA's federal coordinating officer. "These skilled professionals come from all walks of life and locations. They really are the face of FEMA, and they gain satisfaction from helping people who may otherwise not be aware of help available to them."

Team members also meet with representatives of community-based agencies, community leaders and public officials. When CR staff members identify unmet needs, they pass that information on to the state or federal staff best able to respond.
 
"Having accurate information about the disaster assistance available is vital to our citizens as they deal with the process of recovering from Gustav's severe weather.  Door to door notification is a very effective way to let them know there is help available," said MEMA Director Mike Womack.

Disaster victims are urged to register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired. Victims also can register online at www.fema.gov or visit a DRC for more information.

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, 09-Oct-2008 16:10:27