Texas Wildfire Disaster Recovery Aid Exceeds $818,470
(Corrected)
Release Date: February 4, 2006
Release Number: 1624-006
» More Information on Texas Extreme Wildfire Threat
AUSTIN, Texas — On Jan. 11, 2006, President George W. Bush declared nine counties stricken by wildfires as major disaster areas in the State of Texas. The presidential declaration made individual assistance available to affected individuals and businesses in the counties of Callahan, Cooke, Eastland, Erath, Hood, Montague, Palo Pinto, Tarrant and Wise. To date, families and individuals who suffered damage from the recent Texas Wildfires have been approved to receive more than $818,470 in assistance.
Recovery Services Summary as of close of business Feb. 1, 2006:
- 353 individuals have registered for Individual Assistance.
- $818,470 has been approved through the Individuals and Household Program. Of that, FEMA has provided $480,964 in Individual Assistance and $337,506 in Other Needs Assistance.
- 357 applicants have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).
- 202 home inspections have been requested. 186 have been completed. Four inspectors are in the field.
- Texas workers who lost their jobs due to the recent wildfires may be able to claim disaster unemployment benefits. To file a claim or to talk with a representative, eligible applicants should call the Texas Workforce Commission Hotline at 1-800-939-6631, Monday through Friday, 8 1.m. to 5 p.m.
- Individuals and business owners located in the nine counties and who sustained losses should register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing- and speech-impaired. Registrations also can be made online at www.fema.gov.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 19-May-2006 11:17:47