Applying For Assistance: Its Easy And Its One-Step
Release Date: September 28, 2004
Release Number: 1554-008
» More Information on Georgia Hurricane Ivan
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Georgia residents affected by Hurricane Ivan can apply for assistance simply by picking up the phone and placing a call, according to state and federal disaster recovery officials.
People who have suffered damage to their home, apartment or business property in the declared counties of Carroll, Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, Dade, DeKalb, Early, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Madison, Miller, Pickens Rabun, Towns, Union, and White can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The special number for those with hearing or speech impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585.
“I want to clear up any confusion about the application process,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Nick Russo of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “It’s a one-step, one call process that can be completed from the privacy of your home.”
“And don’t disqualify yourself,” Russo added. “If you had any damage at all from Ivan, go ahead and make the call. Many different categories of aid are available, and eligibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. So go ahead and make the call. Let FEMA’s disaster recovery program experts determine the aid you qualify for based on your unique circumstances.”
State Coordinating Officer Mike Sherberger also urged everyone who suffered damage from Hurricane Ivan to call the FEMA toll-free application number. “With one call, individuals can apply for a wide range of disaster assistance,” Sherberger said. Assistance includes temporary disaster housing assistance and housing repair and replacement grants to help meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. It also includes U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses of any size for losses not fully compensated by insurance.
FEMA’s toll-free application lines are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, they are currently experiencing an unprecedented volume of calls due to multiple hurricanes that have affected people in many states. Callers are urged to be patient and to call late in the evening or very early in the morning when call volume is often lighter.
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: Tuesday, 28-Sep-2004 11:08:03