Hurricane Isabel Disaster Assistance Update
Release Date: October 1, 2003
Release Number: 1491-28
» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel
Richmond, VA - In the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel, federal, state and local officials continue to assist citizens and jurisdictions in need of disaster assistance. The following is the latest information on the on-going response and recovery effort.
Recovery Assistance for Individuals and Households
- More than $9.6 million in FEMA grants have been approved to help disaster-affected homeowners and renters who need a place to stay or who may need to make repairs for their homes to be functional.
- More than $4.6 million has been approved for residents to help cover other eligible disaster needs, such as replacing personal property and other expenses such as medical, dental and funeral not covered by insurance.
Direct Federal Assistance for Emergency Life-sustaining Needs
- More than $23.1 million has been approved to support life-sustaining missions. These funds have been used since the onset of hurricane Isabel to support emergency needs such as water, ice, and generators at critical public facilities.
Public Assistance for Emergency Protective Measures and Debris Removal
- More than $6 million has been approved under the Public Assistance Grant Program. This program provides federal assistance to helps state, local jurisdictions and certain private nonprofit organizations recover from Hurricane Isabel. While these grants are aimed at governments and other qualified organizations, their ultimate goal is to help communities and all its citizens recover from a devastating disaster like Hurricane Isabel.
- Public assistance funds are 75/25 percent cost-sharing funds between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state. For expenses associated with Hurricane Isabel, state and local governments in the declared areas may be eligible to recover costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures. Emergency protective measures may include reimbursement for disaster-related emergency work to ensure public safety, personnel overtime expenses or to reimburse communities for costs associated with emergency generators at critical facilities.
- Thus far, FEMA, in conjunction with the state, has delivered more than 6.3 million lbs. of ice and 1.4 million gallons of water.
- More than 3,100 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to receive information on disaster assistance. An additional DRC in Chesapeake opened today to assist disaster victims.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued more than 33,900 applications to homeowners and businesses for low-interest loans.
- Citizens who are only requesting assistance with items purchased after the storm such as generators, chainsaws, wet/dry vacuums, etc. must first register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621 FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech or hearing impaired. After registering with FEMA, those who applied will receive a letter from the Commonwealth of Virginia Other Needs Assistance Program with additional information.
- There are 334 FEMA inspectors visiting homes to verify damages caused by Hurricane Isabel. To date, 13,549 inspections have been completed.
- Community Relations federal/state teams have visited all disaster-declared communities first and will continue to supply disaster information to communities as needed.
- People living or working in any of the disaster-declared jurisdictions whose jobs have been affected by Hurricane Isabel, may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Those eligible may visit the nearest VEC office for more information. The filing deadline is October 24.
- The American Red Cross has served more than 843,000 meals and snacks, and the Salvation Army has served more than 87,800 meals.
- A hotline has been established to coordinate volunteers to help with debris/tree removal from private property. Citizens who need assistance with debris removal or cleanup, or who are interested in volunteering, are encouraged to call 1-877-245-5513. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. The American Baptist Men, Southern Baptist Convention, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the Southern Baptist Conservatists of Virginia, and the Mennonite Disaster Service are coordinating and carrying out these efforts.
- Those who are making repairs to their homes and business can check out the contractor's licensing and complaint history with the Virginia Board for Contractors at (804) 367-8511, the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs at (804) 786-2042 or (800) 552-9963 (if calling from outside the Richmond area), and your local Better Business Bureau.
- Disaster-related scams or other consumer fraud can be reported to the Office of the Attorney General by calling 1-800-451-1525.
- More than 47,900 individuals have registered by calling FEMA's toll-free number at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight, daily. Even if you have registered for help with voluntary agencies, you still may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Anyone affected by this disaster is encouraged to call.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS LOCATIONS
As of 10/01/03
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday - noon to 5 p.m.
Emmaus Baptist Church
814 Yorktown Rd.
Poquoson, VA 23662Ocean View Senior Center
600 East Ocean View Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23503Old Wal-Mart Store
6513 Market Dr.
Gloucester, VA 23061North Hampton Comm. Center
The Hampton Room
1435A Todds Lane
Hampton, VA 23666Dresden Drive Shopping Center
611 Dresden Drive
Newport News, VA 23601
Virginia Beach Disaster Recovery Ctr.
316 Constitution Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462Caritas Building
1000 Old York Hampton Highway
Yorktown, VA 23692Lee Center
1108 Jefferson St.
Alexandria, VA 22314James-City-Williamsburg Community
5301 Longhill Rd.
Williamsburg, VA 23188Chesapeake Central Library
298 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 2322
Cradock Rec. Center (old Cradock High School)
4300 George Washington Hwy.
Portsmouth, VA 23702
Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Oct-2003 13:00:31