As Recovery Centers Close, Use Helpline For Disaster Questions
Release Date: October 13, 2003
Release Number: 1490-50
» More Information on North Carolina Hurricane Isabel
RALEIGH, NC -- Disaster Recovery Centers are beginning to close, but information about your application is just a phone call away, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials point out.
"Disasters are very disruptive events," said Gracia Szczech, the FEMA officer in charge of the federal response to Hurricane Isabel in North Carolina. "People who registered for aid may move or have a new phone number. Or they may have a question about their application. By staying in touch, they can know exactly where they are in the process. We are still available. Just pick up the phone and call us, at no charge."
FEMA's phone number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362, or TTY 1-800-462-7585), the number used to register for assistance, is also the phone line for getting answers to questions about disaster assistance, updating FEMA on one's address or phone number, and finding out the status of an application. The phone lines are currently open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Homeowners, renters and business owners who had uninsured physical or economic damage from Hurricane Isabel and who have not yet applied for aid are encouraged to call and register at the same phone number.
For more information about hurricane preparedness and recovery and specific information about Isabel, visit 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: Tuesday, 14-Oct-2003 09:29:32