Two Weeks Left To Apply For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: December 3, 2004
Release Number: 1557-071

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HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvanians who suffered damage or loss because of flooding between Sept. 17 and Oct. 1 have two weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

Saturday, Dec. 18, is the last day to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free teleregistration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for speech- or hearing-impaired callers. The lines are open from 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday. Applicants can also register online at www.fema.gov.

“Disaster assistance is still available to those who qualify,” said David M. Sanko, state coordinating officer. “It is imperative that residents in the affected counties, who have not already done so, apply for assistance prior to the deadline.”

Homeowners, renters and business owners may qualify for assistance under several federal and state programs to meet disaster-related needs. Those who have applied and received a packet from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) need to complete and return the application.

The counties included in the disaster declaration are: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Delaware, Dauphin, Elk, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York.

“Even after the deadline, FEMA’s Helpline will be available to answer questions and to give application status information,” said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer. “Call the Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA.”

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, 03-Dec-2004 16:22:06