Using TTY System to Apply for FEMA Assistance 

Release Date: December 7, 2004
Release Number: 1539-304

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- With the deadline for applications for disaster assistance drawing near officials remind Florida residents who suffered damage or loss from the recent hurricanes, especially the hearing- and/or speech-impaired to make that call and get registered for disaster assistance.

“So far we have applications from about 100 hearing- or speech-impaired residents,” explained Craig Fugate, state coordinating officer. “We want to ensure that hearing- or speech-impaired residents impacted by the hurricanes know that help is available.”

Hearing- or speech- impaired persons needing to apply through FEMA’s TTY number 1-800-462-7585 will reach an operator using a text phone. The operator will take them through the application process very similar to that of applicants calling the 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) number to register for disaster assistance. Persons calling the TTY number from a regular telephone will hear a ringing similar to a fax ring and then a voice recording will refer them to 1-800-621-3362.

The FEMA TTY number is available in English and Spanish. The hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST daily. If there is no answer a message may be left and the call will be returned as soon as possible. An individual who has already registered should remember to leave their application number.

To use a TTY telephone a caller dials a number and then uses the telephone keypad to spell out their message which appears on a small screen on the telephone, much like the Caller-ID screen. If a caller has no text machine they can call the Florida Relay Center to relay the call.

Every state has a Relay System. In Florida the TTY system is available through the Florida Relay Center. Several numbers are available to hearing- or speech-impaired residents or to those who need to reach them by telephone. Some are listed in the front of the telephone book. Among them are:

“We’ve gotten more than two thousand calls from Florida and Alabama to the FEMA TTY number since the hurricanes,” stated Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer. “Only about 100 have actually applied in Florida. We encourage everyone who needs assistance to apply, especially those who need to use our TTY number.”

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, 07-Dec-2004 20:05:13