One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Aid
Release Date: December 9, 1999
Release Number: 1292-140
» More Information on North Carolina Hurricane Floyd & Irene
RALEIGH, N.C. -- There's not much time left - only one more week for people who suffered losses during Hurricanes Floyd and Irene to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal and state disaster assistance.
The application period closes next Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. After that date, it will be too late.
"We would urge any North Carolinians who suffered losses from the storms to apply for aid," said Glenn Woodard, FEMA's federal coordinating officer for the disaster. "Even if you had insurance, it may not cover all your losses and you may be eligible for help." Woodard also pointed out that additional damage can sometimes appear after insurance claims are paid.
Woodard added that residents of communities where flood insurance is not available should also register, because if the community later elects to enroll in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the full array of disaster assistance programs will become available.
To register, call FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-462-9029, daily between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Individuals with speech or hearing impairments should call 1-800-462-7585.
To date, 76,565 hurricane victims have registered for various forms of assistance, including minimal home repairs; low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters or business owners; grants to meet immediate needs, crisis counseling and unemployment benefits.
Last Modified: Thursday, 11-Dec-2003 13:09:09