Deadline Nears For Applying For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: June 13, 2002
Release Number: 1410-66

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides

Beckley, WV -- July 5 is the last day to apply for state and federal help in dealing with May's severe storms and flooding, officials said. More than 5,500 West Virginians have registered thus far.

"If you need help recovering from last month's disaster, just call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)," Steve Kappa said. "The call is free." Kappa is director of the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services and heads the West Virginia side of the joint state/federal disaster response.

"We have a special number for those with speech or hearing problems," said Justo Hernandez. President Bush named Hernandez federal coordinating officer for the disaster, to serve as Kappa's federal equivalent. "Both lines are open 8 a.m. through 6 p.m., Monday through Friday," he said. Those with difficulty hearing or speaking can dial the TTY registration number: 1-800-462-7585.

"Although July 5 sounds like a long way off, why wait?" added Kappa. "The sooner residents call the toll-free number, the faster we can get them into the system and get them the assistance they need."

Renters, homeowners or business owners who live or do business within the six-county disaster area declared by President Bush may be eligible for disaster aid. The six counties are Kanawha, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Raleigh and Wyoming.

Applicants may qualify for assistance under state and federal programs such as grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for temporary housing assistance, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and grants from the Individual and Family Grant Program administered by the state to meet additional disaster-related needs.

SBA loan applications must be completed and returned to SBA by July 4. Small businesses in both the primary and contiguous counties applying to the SBA for Economic Injury Disaster Loans have until Feb. 5, 2003 to submit applications.

For answers to questions about the disaster assistance programs or the location of Disaster Recovery Centers in West Virginia call the Disaster Information Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Note: The toll-free application number and the Helpline are the same. Those with difficulty hearing or speaking can dial the TTY line at 1-800-462-7585.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 16:56:53