Eligibility For Disaster Assistance Is Now Extended For Those Who Suffered Storm Damage From April 6th Through 25th
Release Date: May 15, 2003
Release Number: 1459-22
» More Information on Mississippi Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Jackson, MS -- Mississippi residents who live in a disaster-declared county and who suffered storm damage between April 6th and 25th, 2003, are now eligible for federal/state disaster assistance. The original presidential disaster declaration was for the period April 6th through 14th; however, it was extended yesterday to include damage occurring between April 15th through 25th.
Carlos Mitchell, the federal official in charge of disaster recovery, said, "The extension of the period for disaster assistance was based on a review of damage data gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials. We remain committed to delivering assistance wherever it's needed and to making sure that every qualified individual, family and business owner receives the help they need to get back on the road to long-term recovery."
Affected residents and business owners who suffered damage during the April 6th though 25th severe storms, tornadoes and flooding should apply for assistance immediately by calling FEMA's toll-free application line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired should call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Leon Shaifer, the Mississippi official in charge of disaster recovery, stressed the importance of applying for assistance as quickly as possible. Shaifer said, "We are pleased with FEMA's decision to extend the eligibility time for assistance. Mississippian's who live in disaster-declared counties, and who suffered storm damage between April 6th through April 25th, are included in the disaster declaration. The extension of the declaration period also now allows residents of Brandon and Rankin County who had damage from the April 24th tornado to apply for federal/state disaster assistance."
"It's important to remember, however, that the process of getting disaster assistance begins with that phone call to 1-800-621-3362," Shaifer added.
The 28 counties in which residents are eligible for Individual & Household Program assistance are: Amite, Attala, Claiborne, Clarke, Copiah, Franklin, Hinds, Holmes, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Kemper, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lincoln, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Walthall, Warren, Wayne and Yazoo.
Last Modified: Thursday, 15-May-2003 12:58:47