Federal Disaster Aid For Tropical Depression Ivan Extended To Fifteen More Pennsylvania Counties
Release Date: September 22, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-201
» More Information on Pennsylvania Tropical Depression Ivan
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal disaster aid to help people recover from the effects of Tropical Depression Ivan has been extended to include families and businesses in 15 more Pennsylvania counties, the head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, designated the counties eligible for assistance under President Bush’s major disaster declaration issued for the state on September 19. The action follows the addition of seven other counties yesterday, bringing to 41 the number of jurisdictions that have been qualified for assistance.
The newly designated 15 counties include Bedford, Bradford, Clarion, Clinton, Columbia, Fulton, Jefferson, Juniata, Mifflin, Monroe, Northumberland, Pike, Snyder, Union and Wayne. The previously designated counties were Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Bucks, Butler, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clearfield, Cumberland, Dauphin, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Northampton, Perry, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Washington, Westmoreland and Wyoming.
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.
In addition, Brown said affected local governments in the 15 added counties also are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the storm.
Brown said that stricken residents and business owners 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.
Callers are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process:
- Your current phone number.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
- Your Social Security number, if available.
- A general list of damage and losses you suffered.
- Good directions to the property that was damaged.
- If insured, your insurance policy number, or the agent's and company’s name.
- General financial information.
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: Wednesday, 22-Sep-2004 17:16:43