More Than $361,000 Approved For Disaster Aid Since Declaration
Release Date: September 23, 2002
Release Number: 1432-13
» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Ladysmith, WI -- Less than two weeks after President Bush declared a major disaster in Wisconsin, $ 361,424 has been allocated for assistance in recovery from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on September 2, 2002. Of that total, more than $ 145,000 has been approved for reimbursement of temporary housing costs and for coverage of eligible expenses to make homes safe and habitable.
The following counties were made eligible for assistance in a Presidential disaster declaration on September 10: Barron, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, St. Croix, Taylor, Washburn, Waupaca and Wood.
According to figures released by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at close of business September 22:
- 390 individuals had called FEMA's toll free numbers to apply for assistance or get additional information about programs and services available;
- 138 of 145 required home inspections issued had been completed;
- $93,247 in disaster housing grants had been approved and $81,654 dispersed;
- $51,877 had been approved for grants through the Individual and Family Grant program;
- 231 loans applications had been issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with 25 having been returned and 6 approved for a total low-interest loan amount of $216,300;
- 124 people had visited the Disaster Recovery Center located in Ladysmith for assistance with paperwork and to have registration questions answered.
Application/Information Phone Lines Remain Open
Individuals, families, and business owners who suffered losses in the recent disaster should apply for assistance by calling FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice.
To date, 327 people have called to apply for disaster assistance. After having applied, individuals may call these same numbers to check on the status of their applications, update their current information, or request general assistance information.
Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
A Disaster Recovery Center is open at the Mount Senario College campus at 1500 College Avenue West in Ladysmith Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday until further notice.
After calling the FEMA toll-free number to apply for assistance, people may visit the DRC to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. Representatives from state and federal agencies, and some private-sector organizations are on hand to inform applicants of the status of their applications and to answer questions regarding disaster recovery programs and services available.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA has issued 134 low-interest loan applications to homeowners and renters and 97 applications to business owners. Officials urge applicants to complete their loan paperwork as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the loan application is not returned it will delay other forms of disaster assistance. SBA representatives are on hand at the DRC for applicants who need assistance completing loan paperwork.
Mitigation Information Available
FEMA can provide information and advice regarding replacement and rebuilding techniques to help reduce damage and loss in future severe weather events. Printed materials on hazard mitigation projects are available at the DRC. Detailed, descriptive information on safe room construction, wind-resistant building materials and techniques, hazard identifications and risk assessment is also available online at www.fema.gov.
Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 12:59:01