What To Expect From Fema As A Disaster Wears On
"Helping Hand" Aid from Fellow Taxpayers
Release Date: October 22, 2004
Release Number: 1558-070
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- For many West Virginians who were affected by the Hurricane Ivan flooding last month, the full scope, and pain, of the recovery process is becoming apparent. Some will be able to restore their properties virtually to their pre-flood appearance and value. But some, though they will again have safe, secure housing, will not be restored to all the amenities they had before the flood.
“FEMA assistance will not make people whole again,” said Lou Botta, federal coordinating officer for the Ivan disaster. “But it can start them on the road to recovery.”
Here are some reminders of how the role played by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unfolds in a disaster like Ivan. FEMA provides taxpayer-financed disaster assistance. Think of FEMA’s aid in terms of “a helping hand,” not an open disaster checkbook.
- For individuals and households, disaster response should always start with a call to FEMA’s toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-3362, or TTY 1-800-462-7585. A registration number will be provided during the call and follow-up materials will arrive by mail. (Registration can also be done online, at www.fema.gov - click on the box toward the upper right of the page.)
- If flood-damaged tenants or homeowners have insurance, by now they likely will have talked with their insurance agents and are coming to terms on what their coverage provides. When disaster strikes, insurance is the first level of protection.
- If there are gaps in insurance, or no insurance at all, FEMA can provide “helping hand” assistance in the form of grants or referral for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. But FEMA is not an insurance company with appropriate premiums for agreed-upon benefits. FEMA provides taxpayer-funded assistance to meet essential needs. Accordingly, it helps to keep in mind these three disaster “scenarios”:
- Scenario No. 1 – People who are fully insured will end the lengthy recovery process with a lifestyle similar to what they had before.
- Scenario No. 2 – People who do not have full insurance, but qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans (for homes or businesses) will end recovery with a lifestyle similar to what they had before.
- Scenario No. 3 – People who do not qualify for a loan, and probably do not have insurance, will benefit from tax-funded grant programs, but will not end up with the lifestyle they had before. They will have safe, secure housing, but not all the amenities they were used to.
- Meanwhile, at whatever point in the process, always keep records of steps taken, agreements reached and receipts received. Further guidance is available at FEMA’s Help Line, available to registrants through the 800 number.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Nov-2004 08:43:27