FEMA Weekly News in Review 

Release Date: August 16, 2008
Release Number: 1768-133

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

Madison, Wis. -- The following is a summary of information released during the week of Aug. 9 through Aug. 15 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the Wisconsin Joint Field Office for Disaster 1768, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

One Month Left for Wisconsin Disaster Assistance
(Date of Release: Aug. 15, 2008)
Wisconsin residents have until Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, to apply for disaster help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). FEMA and SBA aid to residents includes:

A toll-free helpline is available between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. every day to take registrations. The number is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a hearing or speech impairment can call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Individuals and business owners also can register for help online at www.fema.gov.

AmeriCorps Sweat Dries Out Wisconsin Homes
(Date of Release: Aug. 15, 2008)
Shannon Allison of Williamsville, Ill., is one of nine members of an AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team helping residents of Fond du Lac County recover from the severe storms and flooding that began in early June. Two other AmeriCorps teams are working in Columbia, Sauk and Richland counties. All three teams are assigned to assist elderly, disabled and low-income applicants with muck outs, debris removal and mold remediation, and to train local volunteers to do the same. There are approximately 40 AmeriCorps members serving in Wisconsin. They are veterans of many clean-up efforts, having worked Hurricane Katrina and other major disasters.

Individual Disaster Assistance Benefits Communities As Well
(Date of Release: Aug. 15, 2008)
Wisconsin residents have received nearly $75 million in federal and state disaster assistance for individual needs such as housing and replacement of damaged personal property. This assistance to individuals also helps their communities, contributing to the local economy and providing the basis for computing the funds that will pay for long-term mitigation projects, including possible buyouts. As of close of business Aug. 14, FEMA has distributed $41.4 million in grants for repair and replacement of storm-damaged housing and for temporary housing; FEMA has provided $5.6 million in grants for other disaster needs such as transportation, medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees, and replacement or repair of personal property; and the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $27.6 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. (see attachment for county-by-county breakdown of FEMA Individual Assistance grants approved to date.)

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Monday, 18-Aug-2008 08:54:16