FEMA Assistance Available For Residents, Businesses; Those With Minimal Damage Asked To Wait Before Calling
Release Date: October 5, 2000
Release Number: 1345-02
» More Information on Florida Heavy Rains And Flooding
Washington, DC -- James L. Witt, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), urged those with minimal damage to wait a few days before calling to register for federal disaster aid now available for eligible individuals, families and businesses in four southeast counties of Florida. Waiting a few days to call will allow those with the most urgent needs and disaster damage to begin the disaster aid process first, Witt said.
FEMA operators are receiving an average of 10,000 calls an hour and will continue to work seven days a week processing calls until all applicants have been assisted. Disaster victims register for assistance by calling a special toll-free number. Specially trained operators at one of FEMA's National Processing Service Center process the applications.
"FEMA's disaster programs are designed to provide people a safe place to live, and to help individuals and businesses begin the process of recovery," Witt said. "Many thousands of families have been affected by the flooding and we are gearing up to process those applications for aid. It helps us, though, if those with less damage wait a few days and allow those with greater need to register first."
FEMA's disaster application number is: 1-800-462-9029. The number for speech and hearing impaired individuals is: 1-800-462-7585. The number will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
Applicants are also urged to contact their insurance company and file necessary claims. FEMA noted that government assistance does not cover damage or losses already covered by private insurance. Residents with immediate needs for food and shelter should contact their local Red Cross or emergency management officials.
Federal disaster assistance available for residents and businesses in the flooded counties includes:
Temporary Housing Assistance: The Temporary Housing Assistance Program assures that people whose homes are damaged by disasters have a safe place to live until repairs can be completed. The type of assistance is determined by FEMA, based on criteria that assures that the option chosen is appropriate to the individual's need and can be delivered quickly. The basic forms of temporary housing are rental assistance and essential home repair.
Disaster Loans: The Small Business Administration (SBA) can make federally subsidized loans to repair or replace homes, personal property or businesses which sustained damages not covered by insurance. For many persons this loan program is the primary form of disaster assistance they receive.
Individual and Family Grants: This program, administered by the state but underwritten with 75 percent FEMA funding, can provide grants to meet serious disaster-related needs and necessary expenses not provided for by other programs, insurance or other means. Based on guidelines provided by the Small Business Administration, FEMA makes the determination as to whether the applicant needs to apply for a loan from SBA or if they are automatically referred to the grant program. Among needs that can be met with grant funds are housing repairs, home cleaning and sanitation, necessary household items, replacement of tools of the applicant's trade, clothing, transportation, and medical and dental expenses.
Other key programs an individual assistance designation can provide include emergency loans for farmers from the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and tax relief from the IRS.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 12-Nov-2003 15:51:38