Call FEMA If You Suffered Damages From Recent Rains In Declared Counties
Release Date: June 13, 2004
Release Number: 1522-006
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- If you suffered damages from the recent rains in the designated counties you are eligible to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance.
Federal and state disaster recovery officials encourage citizens to apply for disaster assistance by calling the toll-free application number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired can apply by calling a special TTY number: 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.
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.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's 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 10:48:52