Community Outreach Teams In Hurricane-Affected Counties Today 

Release Date: September 18, 2004
Release Number: 1550-003

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Ivan

JACKSON, Miss. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is reaching out to those affected by Hurricane Ivan. Today, the outreach teams will be distributing informational flyers on the disaster application process to Mississippi homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damages and losses from the disaster.

Members of the FEMA/MEMA teams will be in the community to personally remind people to apply for FEMA disaster assistance by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For people who are hearing and/ or speech impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Telephone lines are operational 24 hours, seven days a week.

“FEMA and state officials are in constant communication with representatives of community-based agencies, community leaders, and public officials to assess the needs of families and business owners,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Wells. “FEMA teams are working in cooperation with all volunteer organizations.”

State and federal assistance programs include grants for short-term, disaster-related rental needs, home repairs, and serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other programs. The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans for any disaster-related damage and/or to replace damaged personal property.

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: Saturday, 18-Sep-2004 14:45:26