Weekly Update: Disaster Recovery Gains Momentum
More Than 900 Apply, Nearly $600,000 Approved in Aid for Disaster Damage
Release Date: March 31, 2008
Release Number: 1750-007
» More Information on Georgia Severe Storms and Tornadoes
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Local, state and federal recovery programs are helping Georgians in need of disaster assistance after severe storms and tornadoes ripped through sections of the state recently.
Residents with disaster-related loss or damage in Bartow, Burke, DeKalb, Floyd, Fulton, Jefferson and Polk counties were declared eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance programs under a major disaster declaration and subsequent amendments. Burke, Fulton and Jefferson counties were also declared for FEMAs Public Assistance program.
A first week snapshot:
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As of March 31, a total of 917 individuals, households and businesses have applied for assistance from FEMA since the President declared a major disaster March 20.
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To date, FEMA has approved more than $582,700 to 206 individuals and households under its Individuals and Households Programs (IHP).
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Housing Assistance (HA) accounts for $466,200 of the IHP total going to 190 approved homeowners and renters. HA helps pay for rental assistance, temporary lodging and housing repairs.
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Other Needs Assistance (ONA) accounts for $116,500 of the IHP total going to 83 approved applicants. ONA helps cover personal property loss, medical costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance to individuals and households.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued 548 applications for disaster loans to individuals and businesses. The SBA provides disaster loans to homeowners, renters, non-profit organizations and businesses of all sizes.
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To date, 391 people impacted by the disaster have met with recovery specialists at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) set up throughout disaster-struck areas to provide one-to-one help for individuals with disaster-related needs.
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Local, State, FEMA and SBA representatives are present at six DRCs locations in the disaster-declared counties to discuss disaster programs, explain the application process and help with the application process if necessary. If an individual has applied for assistance, a recovery specialist can talk with them about their individual case. The SBA Business Recovery Center will be located at the Morris Brown College Campus Gymnasium, 570 Mitchell St., Atlanta, GA 30314. The hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday - Saturday, until further notice.
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FEMA-contacted housing inspectors have completed more than 91 percent (453) of the 500 requests for inspection. Turnaround time from registration to inspection averages two days.
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Applicants should register by calling FEMA toll-free 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 800-462-7585 and apply. Multilingual operators are available to speak to applicants. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, until further notice. Application for disaster assistance can also be made by registering online at www.fema.gov, or at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers.
- When registering, applicants should have the following information readily available:
- Current and pre-disaster address;
- Current telephone numbers;
- Social Security number; and
- Insurance coverage, policy number(s) and agent's name if possible.
Registration takes about 20 minutes and once all essential information is recorded an application number is assigned.
Once registered, an applicant with disaster-related damages can expect to see a FEMA-contracted inspector within a few days to view the damage and file a report. Inspectors do not determine eligibility or set compensation.
FEMA's Public Assistance program has completed Applicant Assistance briefings for Burke, Fulton and Jefferson counties. Public Assistance provides financial assistance to state and local governments and eligible non-profit organizations for disaster-related cleanup and repair of damaged facilities to pre-disaster condition. FEMA pays 75 percent of eligible costs; the state of Georgia and the applicant share the remaining amount. The Georgia State Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) manages the program and reimburses applicants for their eligible costs. Under the declaration, Burke, Fulton and Jefferson counties are eligible to apply for this reimbursement program.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 01-Apr-2008 08:27:54