Toll-Free Application Number Available
Release Date: June 12, 2004
Release Number: 1522-005
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- A toll-free application telephone number is now operational for those who suffered property damage or loss in the designated counties affected by the severe storms, flooding and landslides that began Memorial Day weekend. Even if residents have already registered with the Red Cross, Salvation Army or another voluntary agency or have reported damage to local officials, they need to apply for the state and federal assistance now available by calling FEMA’s toll-free number.
Louis Botta, federal coordinating officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Steve Kappa, state coordinating officer, West Virginia Office of Emergency Services (WVOES), said those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance immediately by calling this toll-free application number, 1 800-621-FEMA (3362), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (EST), seven days a week until further notice. Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1 800-462-7585.
In response to a request from Governor Wise, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration June 7. The declaration designated 24 counties eligible for federal aid to help meet the recovery needs of stricken residents and business owners. Those counties are Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Wayne, Webster, Wirt and Wyoming. Citizens living in undesignated counties, who suffered storm related damages in this time period, are still encouraged to apply for assistance to help determine if federal and state assistance can be provided in the future.
The declaration makes residents of these counties eligible for a wide range of programs such as funding for housing assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs.
Residents and businesses that suffered damage or loss and have insurance coverage should first contact their insurance company. If they find they have unmet needs, they should apply for disaster assistance.
“Your phone call is your application for state and federal assistance available under the disaster declaration. Telephone application has proven to be the simplest, quickest and most efficient way to apply,” Kappa said.
When calling to apply have the following information available:
- Your current phone number;
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
- Your Social Security number, if available;
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered;
- Good directions to the property that was damaged;
- If insured, your insurance policy number or the agent and company name; and,
- General financial information.
According to Kappa, individuals who have suffered damage and unmet needs are encouraged to call the application number immediately. “Even if you don’t have all the information necessary or it was lost in the flooding, don’t prejudge your eligibility,” he said. “It’s important that all residents get the assistance they are entitled to.”
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMAs continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 14-Jun-2004 10:44:21