FEMA Can Take Your Application In Any Language
Release Date: October 6, 2005
Release Number: 1604-053
» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina
JACKSON, Miss. -- If you don’t speak English, you can still get disaster assistance. Language is not a barrier for any individual seeking assistance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA can take your application in any of 173 foreign languages. When you call to register at 1-800 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585, there are three choices: English, Spanish or Other Callers -Option #3. Option #3 (or no menu selection) is for those who do not speak English or Spanish or who have a rotary dial phone.
The FEMA interpretation service is committed to providing the highest customer service to all callers. When the service receives a call from FEMA, it is forwarded to a Language Services (LS) coordinator who determines the language or dialect interpretation needed. Once that determination is made, the FEMA agent and the caller will then be transferred to the next available, appropriate interpreter to complete the application process.
It should not take more than 60 seconds for our interpretation service to reach the Language Services coordination team and the call to be underway. Language is not an obstacle in registering with FEMA.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 06-Oct-2005 15:41:53