One Month Left To Register For Disaster Assistance  

Release Date: October 16, 2003
Release Number: 1491-69

» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel

Richmond, VA -- Those who suffered losses or damages as a result of Hurricane Isabel and who live or have a business in the areas declared disaster areas by President Bush under the Sept. 18, 2003 declaration, have one month left to apply for disaster assistance.

The following localities are included under the declaration. The deadline for individuals and businesses to register for assistance is Nov. 17, 2003.

The independent cities of:

Alexandria, Bedford, Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Colonial Heights, Danville, Emporia, Fairfax, Falls Church, Franklin, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Hopewell, Lynchburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Richmond, Staunton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Waynesboro, Williamsburg, and Winchester.

The counties of:

Accomack, Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Bedford, Buckingham, Brunswick, Campbell, Caroline, Charles City, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Clarke, Culpeper, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Frederick, Gloucester, Goochland, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, King George, King William, King and Queen, Lancaster, Louisa, Loudoun, Lunenburg, Madison, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Nelson, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince William, Rappahannock, Richmond, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Surry, Stafford, Sussex, Warren, Westmoreland, and York.

"The registration deadline is quickly approaching, and we want to encourage those who need disaster aid to apply now," said State Coordinating Officer Michael Cline. "Help is only a telephone call away."

Those who still need to apply for assistance may register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. The registration lines are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

The Helpline continues to be available for those who may need information on their application; and Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open throughout affected areas, so that those who suffered damages or losses as a result of Isabel can meet with disaster recovery specialists. For DRC locations currently open in Virginia, call FEMA's toll-free Helpline at 1-800-621 FEMA (3362) or visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's website-www.vaemergency.com. Click on "Isabel Information Center."

"We encourage those who need disaster help to register now," said Federal Coordinating Officer David Fukutomi. "As the registration deadline approaches, we want to be sure that we have reached everyone who needs help and that that no one is left out."

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, 16-Oct-2003 08:09:10