More Than $1.1 Million In Disaster Assistance To North Carolina Victims Of Tropical Storm Frances 

Release Date: September 16, 2004
Release Number: 1546-008

» More Information on North Carolina Tropical Storm Frances

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Only five days after President Bush declared 15 North Carolina counties disaster areas, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency has disbursed $1,124,642 million to individuals who suffered damages from Tropical Storm Frances.

On September 10, a disaster was declared in the mountains of western North Carolina following torrential rains and flash flooding brought by Tropical Storm Frances. The declaration made federal and state disaster funds available to individuals to cover housing and other serious disaster-related needs. The declaration also authorized the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters, landlords, and businesses of all sizes.

The first step in receiving federal disaster assistance is to call the toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), to apply for disaster assistance. TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Application telephone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

"We are committed to providing disaster assistance as quickly as possible. This assistance is an important first step in the recovery process," said Justin DeMello, federal coordinating officer for North Carolina.

"Our top priority is getting people into safe and sanitary living quarters, so they can rebuild their lives," said Dr. Kenneth Taylor, Director, N.C. Division of Emergency Management and state coordinating officer.

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: Thursday, 16-Sep-2004 09:54:29