One month left to apply for disaster assistance 

Release Date: December 3, 2004
Release Number: 1549-092

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Ivan

MOBILE, Ala. -- Residents and businesses who suffered losses or damages as a result of Hurricane Ivan have one month left to apply for disaster assistance, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA). To date, more than 151,000 have registered for assistance.

The deadline for individuals and businesses to register for assistance is Jan. 3, 2005.

“We want to encourage anyone who needs disaster aid to apply now,” said State Coordinating Officer Bruce Baughman. “With the holidays approaching, it would be easy to delay making this important call, and unfortunately, miss the deadline.”

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; or by registering online at www.fema.gov. Phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

“We want to be sure that we have reached everyone who needs help and that no one is left out,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Tony Russell. “Help is a phone call away, or a few clicks away on the Internet.”

FEMA also operates a Helpline for those who may need information or have to make a change on their application. The Helpline number is 800-621-3362 (FEMA), or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

In addition, FEMA and the state of Alabama operate four Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) where residents and business owners can meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists. Call the Helpline for DRC locations or check the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.

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: Friday, 03-Dec-2004 16:57:20