FEMA/State Hurricane Response Daily Summary
Crisis Counseling May Set New National Record For A Natural Disaster
Release Date: September 30, 2004
Release Number: 1539-159
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Residents of all Florida disaster-declared counties may be eligible for crisis counseling in the wake of the recent devastating hurricanes and flooding.
The total sum of federal and state assistance for emotional therapy is approaching a new national record for a natural disaster.
Counseling can be given over the phone, face-to-face at various locations, or through visits to the home. The crisis counseling toll-free Hotline number is 1-866-518-1825. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, everyday, to take calls.
Florida registrations for assistance from FEMA totaled 680,566 at the close of business Wednesday, an increase of 29,803 from the day before.
A total of 18.3 million cubic yards of debris has been cleared through Wednesday, September 29.
Assistance to individual households in Florida has reached nearly $371 million. That includes $202 million in housing assistance for residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed, and $169 million in state and federal assistance to replace essential personal property and meet other uninsured needs.
To date, 295,847 housing inspections have been completed.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $116 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses.
As of Wednesday, there were 42 shelters open across the state, housing a total of 2,420 people.
A total of six disaster medical teams are engaged across the state, and so far they have helped 9,300 patients.
There are 31 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operating across the state, open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. So far they have helped 97,818 visitors.
Those who have access to the Internet can get answers to many frequently asked questions from www.fema.gov.
To donate or volunteer services, disaster officials encourage people to visit a special website designed to coordinate voluntary efforts, located at www.volunteerflorida.org. This website provides opportunities to register as a volunteer and offers goods and services than can be matched to victims’ needs. It also includes a list of items urgently needed and a list of agencies accepting cash donations. Those without Internet access may call 1-800-FLHELP1 (1-800-354-3571).
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is a collaboration of Florida’s emergency management agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’s mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impact. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief efforts.
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: Friday, 01-Oct-2004 08:29:18