One Week Left For West Virginians To Register For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: November 12, 2004
Release Number: 1558-091
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- Only one week remains for those who have not yet registered for federal and state disaster assistance to obtain help with recovery from the September flooding caused by Hurricane Ivan.
“We will continue to process existing assistance applications, but the deadline to call and register is Friday, November 19,” said Lou Botta, federal coordinating officer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Individuals and business owners affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred September 16 through September 27, should call and apply as soon as possible by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with hearing or speech impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both numbers are operational 6 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week.
“Don’t assume you aren’t eligible for assistance,” Steve Kappa, state coordinating officer, said. “We don’t want to miss anyone who has been affected by this flood event, who may need help in the recovery process.”
Even if you have insurance, you may still be eligible for disaster assistance for under-insured losses. However, in order to complete an application, FEMA will need the resident’s insurance settlement information to avoid any duplication of benefits.
Applications may be updated and will continue to be processed after the November 19 deadline, but no additional applications for assistance will be accepted. Helpline representatives (at the numbers listed above) are available to answer questions about assistance or check the status of a caller’s application. Multilingual representatives are available also, when needed.
Assistance available to disaster victims includes grants for temporary disaster housing; repairing disaster-damaged, uninsured homes to a livable condition, and for serious, disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs; U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses, to repair or replace damaged property; and free legal services and crisis counseling.
November 19 is the final day to apply for disaster assistance for West Virginians affected by the Hurricane Ivan flooding in the disaster-designated counties of Berkeley, Brooke, Cabell, Hancock, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Mason, Mingo, Morgan, Ohio, Pleasants, Tyler, Wayne, Wetzel, Wirt and Wood.
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: Friday, 12-Nov-2004 10:26:53