Undeliverable Checks and Correspondence
Release Date: October 26, 2004
Release Number: 1552-034
» More Information on Puerto Rico Tropical Storm Jeanne and Resulting Landslides and Mudslides
San Juan, P.R. -- Federal and commonwealth officials announced today that many renters, homeowners and business owners who were victims of Tropical Storm Jeanne and applied for assistance and received inspections, but who have not yet received checks or correspondence from FEMA, may have to make sure that their mail is not being held at the local U.S. Post Office.
"Many applicants who have called in to register for assistance have not supplied accurate mailing addresses," said Pete Martinasco, FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster declaration. "As a result the U.S. Post Office has withheld a large number of undeliverable mail, including checks, that have not reached the intended disaster victims".
"We want to make sure there are no delays in the delivery of disaster assistance and information," added Martinasco. "Therefore, we are asking that if your home or business was inspected two weeks ago, and you have not yet received any mail from FEMA, that you please contact FEMA's Helpline to determine if mail has been issued to you. If FEMA's Helpline confirms that mail was issued to you, and you do not received it within a reasonable timeframe, please make sure to visit your local Post Office".
FEMA's Helpline number is 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired) and operators are available to answer questions from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
The U.S. Post Master in Puerto Rico has agreed to hold such undeliverable mail for a period of 30 days after which, if not claimed, the mail will be returned to FEMA.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Oct-2004 16:30:12