Disaster Registration Deadline Three Weeks Away
Release Date: December 8, 2004
Release Number: 1539-305
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Floridians are encouraged to register for disaster assistance before the registration period ends on Dec. 31. Those with damage caused by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and/or Jeanne should call the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired, or register online at http://www.fema.gov. Telephone lines are open from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
The registration process normally takes less than half an hour and applicants will need to provide a social security number, current and pre-disaster address and phone number, insurance information/type, total household annual income and financial information from your bank (routing and account number) if you want disaster funds transferred directly to a financial institution.
“We want to make sure all eligible victims get the assistance to which they are entitled,” said Craig Fugate, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “However, to get help, residents must register.”
To date, more than 1.16 million Florida applicants have registered for disaster aid from the four hurricanes, and more than $2.8 billion has been disbursed for individual and public assistance, emergency response assistance, and U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans to individuals and businesses.
“FEMA is committed to helping Floridians recover from the losses and damage caused by these horrific hurricanes,” said Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer. “However, people impacted must register by Dec. 31 to access available assistance programs.”
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, 08-Dec-2004 19:35:00