President Orders Disaster Aid For Mississippi Hurricane Victims
Release Date: September 16, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-177
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has ordered the release of federal disaster funds and emergency resources for Mississippi to aid people battered by Hurricane Ivan.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action under a major disaster declaration issued for Mississippi in response to the hurricane that made landfall this morning. The declaration covers damage to private property from the storm that began affecting the state on September 13.
"President Bush moved quickly in coming to the aid of the people of Mississippi because he is aware of the magnitude of damage this storm is causing," Brown said. "He has directed the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance to meet immediate critical needs and to help get them on the road to recovery as fast as possible."
Brown said emergency assistance triggered by the declaration can range from the use of federal personnel, equipment and lifesaving systems to the delivery of heavy-duty generators, plastic sheeting, tents, cots, food, water, medical aid and other essential supplies and materials for sustaining human life.
In addition to emergency aid, Brown said the declaration makes federal funds available for the long-term recovery of hurricane-stricken residents and business owners in the counties of George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Perry, Stone and Wayne.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Additionally, Brown said the state and affected local governments in 23 counties are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 100 percent of the approved costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the hurricane, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government, for a period of up to 72 hours.
The 23 counties designated eligible for the assistance include Clarke, Covington, Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Marion, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Pearl River, Perry, Smith, Stone, and Walthall
Brown said federal funding also will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that aid for residents in other counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later as conditions allow damage to be assessed in the stricken area.
Alexander S. Wells of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal relief effort. Wells said that those in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.
Because of the anticipated high volume of initial calls, Wells urged owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. He also advised that storm victims with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.
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 13:46:32