President Orders Disaster Aid For Second North Carolina Storm Recovery
Release Date: September 18, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-186
» More Information on North Carolina Hurricane Ivan
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has ordered federal disaster aid to help people in western North Carolina still reeling from Tropical Storm Frances earlier this month recover from the effects of Hurricane Ivan.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action under a major disaster declaration issued immediately after receiving FEMA's analysis of the state's expedited request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from Ivan that began affecting the state on September 16. It follows the major disaster declared for the state on September 10 due to damage from Frances.
After the declaration, Brown designated the following 16 counties eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Brown said the state and affected local governments in the 16 designated counties are eligible to apply for federal funds that will initially pay 100 percent of the approved costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the storm, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government, for a period of up to 72 hours. Funding also will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that more counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated as soon as damage assessments can be completed in the affected area. He named Justin DeMello of FEMA to coordinate federal recovery operations.
DeMello said that affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.
DeMello added that those in the designated counties who sustained losses from Tropical Storm Frances are eligible to apply for assistance again for damage caused by Hurricane Ivan.
As a result of the intense hurricane activity, FEMA's toll-free teleregistration line received twice as many calls this past month than any previous month in the history of the agency. Additional call centers and registrars have been added, but the volume remains extremely high. Callers are advised that if they get a busy signal, to please be patient and try the call again later.
FEMA is asking the public's assistance in managing call volume to support the agency's effort to prioritize help to those with the greatest need. Owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses are urged to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. Hurricane victims with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Saturday, 18-Sep-2004 19:43:42