Pennsylvania Receives Additional Federal Aid 

Five More Counties Added to Declaration

Release Date: July 6, 2006
Release Number: 1649-008

» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Disaster assistance is now available for Bucks, Columbia, Franklin, Montgomery and Northampton counties to help residents recover from the effects of recent severe storms and flooding in Pennsylvania.

The counties were added to the list of eligible jurisdictions based on a review of damage data gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials.  The previously designated counties for individual assistance include Berks, Bradford, Chester, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming.

State Coordinating Officer James R. Joseph urges everyone who suffered damages to call the FEMA toll-free application number.  "We are here to make sure all eligible applicants get the help they need to get back on their feet. But first they have to make that call," he said. 

Stricken residents and business owners in the declared counties are eligible to apply for a wide range of state and federal disaster assistance programs under the major disaster declaration issued by President Bush on June 30th. The aid can include funding for temporary disaster housing assistance, U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property and housing repair; replacement grants to help meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs; and disaster unemployment assistance.

"We remain committed to ensuring that every qualified family and business receives the help they need," Federal Coordinating Officer Tom Davies said.

Those affected by the disaster may start the application process by calling FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired.  Both numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are also available to answer your call.  For those with Internet access, there’s the option to register online at www.fema.gov.

Callers should have the following information available:

FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Residents should contact their insurance agent first, then if they have unmet needs they should call FEMA to apply.  Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.

When disaster strikes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers a number of disaster assistance programs and coordinates the efforts of many other federal agencies that provide services to help people through the recovery process. The types of assistance that are available follow.

FEMA Programs:

Individuals and Households Program:  Housing assistance to individuals and families whose primary homes were damaged or destroyed by the disaster. Types of aid include grants for temporary rental assistance; essential repairs needed to make a residence safe, sanitary and functional; and to meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other programs.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance:  Weekly benefits to individuals out of work due to the disaster, including self-employed persons, farm owners and others not usually covered under regular unemployment insurance.

SBA Programs:

Home/Personal Property Disaster Loans:  Disaster loans to homeowners and renters for restoring or replacing underinsured or uninsured disaster-damaged real and personal property.  (Available in declared counties.)

Business Disaster Loans:  Disaster loans to repair or replace destroyed or damaged business facilities, inventory, machinery, equipment, etc. not covered by insurance.  (Available to large and small businesses in declared counties.)  Loans also may be available to small businesses for working capital to assist them during the disaster recovery period.  (Available in declared and contiguous counties.)

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Friday, 07-Jul-2006 07:18:16