FEMA Grants Commonwealth More Than $635,000
Release Date: October 24, 2003
Release Number: 1491-95
» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel
Richmond, VA -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) are reminding Virginians that free help for disaster-related stress is available through the Commonwealth under a program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The $635,382 grant funds referral services and short-term counseling for those experiencing stress and mental health problems as a result of Hurricane Isabel and subsequent thunderstorms and tornadoes, which ravaged Virginia from September 18 to October 1. If you live in a disaster-declared county or city, assistance is available by calling Toll-Free 1-866-400-2951 or 703-228-4831 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Individuals may still apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing- or speech-impaired. The FEMA Helpline number is the same number used to register for disaster assistance. The helpline also can provide information on the status of an application. Both the Helpline and registration numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily.
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: Friday, 24-Oct-2003 07:57:33