Applying For Assistance: It's Easy And It's One-Step 

Release Date: July 21, 2003
Release Number: 1476-12

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Kokomo, IN - Indiana residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began July 4 can apply for assistance simply by picking up the phone and placing a call, according to state and federal disaster recovery officials.

"I want to clear up any confusion about the application process," Thomas J. Costello, FEMA's federal coordinating officer, said. "It's a one-step, one call process that can be completed from the privacy of your home. You do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to complete the application process."

Those affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can apply for assistance immediately by calling the FEMA toll-free application number , 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

State Coordinating Officer Patrick R. Ralston urged everyone who suffered damage in the declared counties, whether the damage was from flooding, wind or the tornadoes that hit the state, to call the FEMA toll-free application number. "With one call, individuals can apply for a wide range of disaster assistance," Ralston said. Temporary housing and home repair grants, low-interest loans for individuals and businesses, and disaster unemployment assistance are available to help disaster victims.

People have the option of visiting one of several centers currently operating in the declared areas for additional assistance and information or if they want to talk face-to-face with representatives of local, state, federal and voluntary agencies. The Disaster Recovery Centers offer helpful information on how to clean up after storms and flooding and provide information on cost effective measures for reducing damage from future disasters.

The centers currently open are located at: Wells County EMA at 223 West Washington Street in Bluffton, Johanning Civic Center at 1500 N. Reed Road (U.S.31) in Kokomo, and Tippecanoe County EMA at 629 North 6th Street in Lafayette. These centers will open Tuesday, July 22: Corp Community Center at 1615 Meridian St. in Anderson and Worthman Office Mall (Suite 140) at 5800 Fairfield Avenue in Fort Wayne. Operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, 21-Jul-2003 14:34:14