More Than $11.5 Million In Ivan Disaster Aid Disbursed In North Carolina 

Release Date: November 4, 2004
Release Number: 1553-013

» More Information on North Carolina Hurricane Ivan

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Officials of the 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) report that, to date, $11,501,540 has been disbursed in aid to victims of Hurricane Ivan.

Since President Bush issued a disaster declaration on September 18, more than $7.1 million has been issued in housing assistance and over $2 million granted to cover other needs such as medical and dental expenses, personal property, transportation and funeral costs. The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more that $2.3 million in low-interest loans for homeowners, business owners and renters.

The following is a summary of response and recovery activity since President Bush declared 29 counties eligible for federal disaster assistance in the aftermath of Ivan:

Crisis Counseling Available

Federal funding for crisis counseling is available in those North Carolina counties damaged by Hurricane Ivan until November 17. Individuals in those counties can get immediate assistance by calling the NC CARE-LINE at 1-800-662-7030 or 1-877-452-2514 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired for referral to one of three local mental health agencies: the Foothills Area Program, serving residents of Burke, Caldwell and McDowell counties; the Smokey Mountain Local Management Entity, serving residents of Haywood, Jackson and Macon counties; and, the Western Highlands Local Management Entity, serving residents of Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Yancey counties.

The disaster assistance registration deadline for victims of Hurricane Ivan has been extended to December 17, 2004. Resident have until then to apply for assistance by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. These numbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. If possible, try calling in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on weekends when call volume often is lighter. Individuals can now go online to register for assistance and to find additional recovery information at http://www.fema.gov.

Assistance Applications, close of business November 03, 2004
Alamance16Macon456
Allegheny9Madison156
Ashe30McDowell110
Avery720Mitchell272
Buncombe1,592Polk14
Burke69Randolph5
Caldwell30Rockingham19
Caswell1Rutherford23
Davidson13Stokes11
Forsyth11Swain35
Graham0Transylvania215
Guilford46Watauga357
Haywood975Wilkes16
Henderson618Yancey332
Jackson318

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: Thursday, 04-Nov-2004 14:42:48