Using the Helpline and FEMA Website to Answer Disaster Questions
Release Date: October 8, 2005
Release Number: 1605-061
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY, Al. -- Whether you’re among the first or last to register for disaster assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362), is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions of eligibility or about other programs. A similar helpline for individuals using special keyboard equipment (TTY) 800-462-7585 is also available.
Helping people throughout the recovery process continues to be a FEMA priority. After registering, all you have to do to obtain further disaster information, is use the helpline or FEMA website, www.fema.gov, or visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Multilingual operators are available to assist applicants in a variety of languages.
An information page on the website has 100 frequently asked questions specific to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. A displaced college student can learn the options of registering in a different school, others can find answers to insurance, housing assistance, employment issues, inspections, and find out about Disaster Recovery Centers and the services they provide.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages the federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities to reduce the risk of loss in future disasters, trains first responders, workers 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: Tuesday, 11-Oct-2005 08:38:42