Uninsured? Underinsured? Don't Leave Yourself Out!
Release Date: June 16, 2003
Release Number: 1470-13
» More Information on Mississippi Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and High Winds
Jackson, MS -- Mississippi residents who suffered storm damage to their personal or business properties during the May 5th through 8th severe storms, tornadoes and high winds, should apply for recovery assistance whether the losses were insured or not.
That's the word today from state and federal officials coordinating the disaster recovery effort.
"People should never leave themselves out for recovery assistance," said Leon Shaifer of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. "Insurance may not cover all of a family's disaster losses. It is therefore most important that everyone, insured or not, call FEMA's toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Persons with speech or hearing impairment should call TTY 1-800-462-7585."
As recovery progresses, people often discover that the cost of cleanup and repairs may be more than they originally estimated and their insurance settlement does not cover all the costs.
Carlos Mitchell, the federal official in charge of long-term recovery, stated, "We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to apply for assistance. Don't disqualify yourself, everyone who sustained storm damage in the declared counties should protect themselves by applying for aid."
Both disaster officials noted that structural damage may not be discovered until months after the disaster, another reason it is important to have a FEMA application on file.
Residents of nine Mississippi counties are eligible to apply. The counties are: Calhoun, Clay, Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Lowndes, Monroe, Pontotoc and Webster.
Last Modified: Monday, 16-Jun-2003 13:43:27