Disaster Deadline Fast Approaching 

Those Seeking Aid Must Register By The March 3 Deadline

Release Date: February 24, 2005
Release Number: 1549-117b

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Ivan

MOBILE, Ala. -- Alabamans who suffered damages from Hurricane Ivan have just seven days left to register for disaster assistance, according to state and federal officials.

Homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage from the hurricane are encouraged to call the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teleregistration number toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Hours of operation are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Applicants with access to a computer can also register online by entering the FEMA website at www.fema.gov. Look for and click on the words “Register for Disaster Assistance Online” located at the top right side of the page, in a green box.

“Fellow Alabamans who need federal assistance and have not yet registered with FEMA should call the teleregistration number before the March 3 deadline,” said Bruce Baughman, state coordinating officer for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. “It’s crucial to get into the system before the deadline in order to qualify and receive eligible federal and state aid.”

To date, more than 163,000 applications for assistance have been received by FEMA.

“Those who had uninsured or underinsured losses as a result of the hurricane should register without delay,” said Tony Russell, federal coordinating officer. “Even if you already repaired the damage, replaced the property, or received partial reimbursement from your insurance company, make the call before the March 3 date. We may be able to reimburse you for eligible expenses.”

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, 24-Feb-2005 16:30:14