Helpline Offers Disaster Information
Release Date: October 13, 2003
Release Number: 1493-26
» More Information on District of Columbia Hurricane Isabel
WASHINGTON -- Hurricane Isabel victims in the District who have questions about disaster assistance should call the Helpline. The D.C. Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) and officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintain these telephone services to help disaster victims keep in touch. All calls are toll-free.
The Helpline number - 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TYY 1-800-462-7585 for speech or hearing impaired ¾ is the same number used to register for assistance. When calling, just select the "Helpline" option. FEMA experts are available to answer questions from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
To check the status of an Other Needs Assistance Program (ONA) registration ¾ a jointly funded District and federal program ¾ applicants should call 1-877-581-0035, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
"For a number of reasons, many disaster victims may not always be able to get to a Disaster Recovery Center. The Helpline and ONA numbers provide convenient alternatives," said DCEMA Director Peter LaPorte.
"A telephone call can help disaster victims with much the same service they would get at a Disaster Recovery Center," said Scott Wells, FEMA official coordinating federal resources for the District's disaster recovery.
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: Tuesday, 14-Oct-2003 08:22:32