Dade, Miller, And Pickens Counties Now Eligible For Ivan Aid
Release Date: September 25, 2004
Release Number: 1554-006
» More Information on Georgia Hurricane Ivan
ATLANTA, Ga. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that disaster assistance has been made available for Dade, Miller, and Pickens Counties to help residents and local governments recover from the effects of Hurricane Ivan.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said 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 following 14 counties were designated previously: Carroll, Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Early, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Madison, Rabun, Towns, Union, and White.
An additional seven counties were designated eligible for disaster assistance to help local governments rebuild public property damaged by Hurricane Ivan. These counties are Banks, Elbert, Fannin, Forsyth, Habersham, Harris, and Lumpkin. Additionally, the categories of aid to local governments was increased for Carroll, Cherokee, Dawson, DeKalb, Early, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Madison, Rabun, Towns, Union, and White Counties. Originally eligible to receive federal aid for debris removal and emergency protective measures only, they are now also eligible for federal assistance in the categories of road systems and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities, and parks and other recreational properties.
“The recovery from these hurricanes will be a long and difficult process,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “And we appreciate the support and concern that President Bush has shown, as well as the efforts of FEMA, to help restore our communities.”
“We remain committed to ensuring that every qualified family and business receives the help they need and that vital community facilities are restored to full service as quickly as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Nick Russo.
Russo said that residents and business owners in the three newly designated counties are now eligible to apply for a wide range of state and federal disaster assistance programs under the major disaster declaration issued by President Bush on September 18. Such aid may include funding for temporary disaster housing assistance and housing repair and replacement grants to help meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs, as well as U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses of any size for losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Affected residents and business owners in Dade, Miller, and Pickens Counties can apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Although the lines are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week they are currently experiencing an unprecedented volume of calls due to multiple hurricanes that have affected people in many states. Callers are urged to be patient and to call late in the evening or very early in the morning when call volume is often lighter.
Callers are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process:
- Your current phone number.
- Your Social Security number, if available.
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered.
- If insured, your insurance policy number, or the agent's and company name.
- General financial information.
- Bank account code if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.
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.
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: Monday, 27-Sep-2004 08:49:45