Hurricane Isabel Disaster Assistance More Than $45.8 Million
Release Date: October 2, 2003
Release Number: 1491-33
» 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
- A total of more than $16.4 million has been approved for the Individuals and Households Program with more than $11.2 million approved for housing needs and more than $5.2 million approved for other disaster-related needs 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 since the onset of Hurricane Isabel for critical needs.
Public Assistance
- More than $6.3 million has been approved under the Public Assistance Grant Program. This program may provide federal assistance to help state, local jurisdictions and certain private nonprofit organizations with debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent restoration to public buildings, equipment, roads, bridges, water facilities and utilities.
Disaster Update Information
- More than 3,800 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to receive information on disaster assistance. Additional DRCs opened today in Staunton, Suffolk and the Richmond area. A complete list of DRCs open in the disaster-affected areas can be found at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's website-www.vaemergency.com. Click on "Isabel Information Center."
- More than 51,300 individuals have registered by calling the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 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.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued more than 36,200 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 register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. After registering with FEMA, those who applied will receive a letter from the Commonwealth of Virginia's Other Needs Assistance Program with additional information.
- 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.
- 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 businesses 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.
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.
Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Oct-2003 16:36:54