Deadline Extended To Apply For Disaster Assistance Programs 

Release Date: November 8, 2004
Release Number: 1549-076

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Mobile, Ala. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today advised Alabama officials that it had granted the state’s request to extend the registration deadline. The new deadline for applying for assistance is Monday, Jan. 3, 2005.

“Prior to this request we had more than 136,000 applications,” said Bruce Baughman, director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and state coordinating officer for the disaster recovery effort. “It was clear we needed to keep the registration period open if we were going to reach all the people who need help.”

Michael Hall, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer, granted the extension request. “We hope this extra time will ensure everyone who resides or works in a disaster-declared county will get the federal and state assistance they need to rebuild their lives,” Hall said.

Individuals can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing- or speech-impaired. Representatives at the toll-free telephone numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (CDT), 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. You can also register online using FEMA’s newly implemented Internet registration at www.fema.gov.

FEMA operates a Helpline for those who may need information or have to update or make a change on their application. Call the Helpline number 800-621-FEMA (3362), or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The Helpline is available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Monday, 08-Nov-2004 18:52:01