FEMA Helpline Still Available For Residents Affected By Southern California Wildfires
Release Date: February 27, 2004
Release Number: 1498-069
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PASADENA, Calif. -- Residents who were affected by the Southern California firestorms and registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prior to January 9, 2004 can still obtain program information on disaster assistance.
“Our representatives can answer questions for obtaining additional housing assistance, referrals, delayed insurance settlements or other program information by calling the Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362),” said William Carwile, III, federal coordinating officer for the disaster.
The TTY number for the speech-and hearing-impaired is 1-800-462-7585. FEMA representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Residents who have already registered for assistance can update their application at that number, if necessary.
“Although the registration period has closed for the Southern California Firestorms, we want to make sure that everyone who still has unmet needs and who are eligible receives the help entitled to them,” said Dallas Jones, director of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and state coordinating officer. “If you have questions regarding your status, call the Helpline.”
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Helpline representatives at 1-800-488-5323, Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm, will answer questions about SBA disaster loans. The TTY phone number is (916) 735-1683.
People who made a mistake when reporting damage or may have misrepresented their losses have the opportunity to correct or cancel their claim. Individuals may call the Helpline to withdraw or correct an application and prevent prosecution. Anyone who knows of someone who has filed false damage claims or perpetrated any other disaster-related fraud, may report the incident to the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate survivors for all of their losses. State and federal officials advise applicants to access insurance benefits first; FEMA and state assistance may help cover basic needs not included under their insurance policy. Some disaster aid, such as individual assistance awards, does not have to be paid back, while other help may come in the form of low-interest loans.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.
These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade and war-caused emergencies and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 09-Mar-2004 15:38:53