Three Counties Now Eligible For Individual Assistance
Release Date: September 28, 2004
Release Number: 1546-016
» More Information on North Carolina Tropical Storm Frances
ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Federal disaster aid for individuals affected by Tropical Storm Frances has been extended to include Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes counties, announced officials with the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management (CCPS-DEM).
Residents of those three counties who suffered uninsured or underinsured damages Sept. 7-12 are eligible to apply for federal aid that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing and home repairs as well as other disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available to cover homeowners, renters, and businesses of any size for losses not fully compensated by insurance.
The three new counties bring to 33 the number of North Carolina counties designated eligible for Individual Assistance as a result of Tropical Storm Frances. Previously designated counties are: Alexander, Avery, Bladen, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Columbus, Cumberland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Hoke, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Robeson, Rutherford, Scotland, Transylvania, Union, Watauga and Yancey.
Ashe County was previously approved to receive help through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides funds to repair, restore or replace facilities owned by certain private, nonprofit organizations that operate and maintain educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care or other essential governmental service facilities.
Affected individuals and business owners may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for hearing and speech impaired. Registrars are taking applications 24 hours a day until further notice. If the wait is long, please remember that others are affected by on-going disasters around the country and are also calling to register for assistance. The current non-peak calling times are between midnight and 4:30 a.m.
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: Tuesday, 28-Sep-2004 15:49:45