Thirteen Florida Counties Added For Hurricane Recovery Aid 

Release Date: September 5, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-162

» More Information on Florida Hurricane Frances

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today designated 13 additional Florida counties eligible for federal disaster aid to help meet the recovery needs of homeowners, renters and businesses battered by Hurricane Frances.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, made the designations under the major disaster declaration issued for the state yesterday by President Bush.

The 13 counties added for assistance include Broward, Citrus, Glades, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk and Sumter. The counties initially designated for aid under yesterday’s declaration were Brevard, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach and St. Lucie.

The assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other aid programs. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and businesses losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Brown said that affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Brown said those in the newly added counties that were previously designated for aid for Hurricane Charley are eligible to apply for assistance again for damage caused by Frances.

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: Sunday, 05-Sep-2004 14:15:58