What Happens After Calling FEMA?
Release Date: April 7, 2003
Release Number: 1455-26
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Charleston, WV - Assistance is only a phone call away, but what happens after disaster victims call the toll-free teleregistration number, 1-800-621-3362, (TTY: 1-800-462-7585)?
Callers are assigned a registration identification number for future reference in identifying their case. In most cases a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inspector will telephone in a few days to make an appointment to visit the damaged home or apartment and assess the damage.
The following are points to remember during inspections:
- All inspectors wear a current photo identification badge.
- Clothing with names or insignias is not an indication they work for the agency.
- All FEMA inspectors carry a hand-held computer. It has information about the person whose household they are inspecting in the computer.
- The computer is only for FEMA programs. It has no other use to anyone else.
- Inspectors do not determine any dollar amounts. They only look at reported damage and document it.
- Inspectors do not carry money or ask for money.
After you have made the first step of the assistance process by calling the toll-free teleregistration number, the Small Business Administration (SBA) may send you a loan application packet. It is very important to complete and return the SBA packet because if the SBA determines that you cannot repay a loan, your name may be referred to the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) for a grant that includes Other Needs Assistance (ONA).
Housing Assistance may include lodging expense reimbursement, repair assistance and/or temporary rental assistance. ONA may include medical, dental and funeral expenses; furniture, clothing and some appliances; vehicle costs (up to state limits); and other eligible expenses.
If you do not return the completed SBA application, you may not be considered eligible for other assistance. Help in completing the SBA loan application is available at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or by calling SBA at 1-800-659-2955. Call the Helpline toll-free number 1-800-621-3362, (TTY: 1-800-462-7585), to find the location of the DRC nearest you.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Apr-2003 10:35:43