Toll-Free Application Number Available For Those Affected By Severe Storms And Tornadoes 

Release Date: September 12, 2002
Release Number: 1432-02

» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding

Ladysmith, WI -- A toll-free application telephone number is now operational for those who suffered property damage or loss in the declared counties affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on September 2.

Gracia Szczech, Federal Coordinating Officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Alan B. Shanks, State Coordinating Officer, Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), said those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance by calling this toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice. Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.

In response to a request from Governor Scott McCallum on September 6, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration on September 10 designating 19 counties eligible for federal aid to help meet the recovery needs of stricken residents and business owners. Declared counties include: Barron, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, St. Croix, Taylor, Washburn, Waupaca and Wood.

The declaration makes residents of declared counties eligible for a wide range of programs such as funding for disaster housing assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs.

Residents and business owners who suffered damage or loss and have insurance coverage should first contact their insurance company but need not wait until their settlement is finalized before calling FEMA to apply.

"Your phone call is your application for state and federal assistance available under the disaster declaration. Telephone application has proven to be the simplest, quickest and most efficient way to apply," Szczech said.

When calling to apply have the following information available:

"Don't prejudge your eligibility, even if you don't have all the information necessary or it was lost in the storms or flooding. It's important that all residents get the assistance they are entitled to," Szczech said. Even if you have already registered with the Red Cross, Salvation Army or another voluntary agency or have reported damage to state, county or local officials, you can only apply for the state and federal assistance programs by calling FEMA's toll-free number.

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by your insurance policy. Residents should contact their insurance agent first, then if they have unmet needs they should call FEMA to apply. You do not have to wait until your insurance is finalized. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. FEMA representatives will explain the details when you call.

The Presidential disaster declaration includes federal funding for the state and affected local governments in Polk, Rusk and Taylor Counties. The funding can be used to cover 75 percent of costs for debris removal, emergency protective services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. Federal funds are also available for expenses for approved projects that can reduce future disaster risk.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INFORMATION

When disaster strikes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administers a number of disaster assistance programs and coordinates the efforts of many other federal agencies that provide services to help people through the recovery process. The types of assistance that are available follow:

Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

DISASTER HOUSING ASSISTANCE: Housing assistance to individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the storm. Types of aid include grants for: alternate rental housing; emergency repairs needed to make a residence habitable; and, mortgage or rental assistance in cases where the disaster has caused extreme economic hardship.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY GRANT PROGRAM: Provides grants to individuals and families to meet serious disaster-related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance or other federal, state or voluntary agency disaster assistance programs.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE: Weekly benefits are available to those individuals out of work due to the disaster, including self-employed persons, farm owners, and others not usually covered under regular unemployment insurance.

U.S. Small Business Administration Programs

HOME/PERSONAL PROPERTY DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans to homeowners and renters for restoring or replacing underinsured or uninsured disaster-damaged real and personal property. These loans are available in declared counties.

BUSINESS DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans to repair or replace destroyed or damaged business facilities, inventory, machinery, equipment, etc. not covered by insurance. These loans are available to large and small businesses in declared counties. Loans also may be available only to small businesses for working capital to assist them during the disaster recovery period. The loans are available in declared and contiguous counties.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 13:19:30