Federal Disaster Aid Extended To Five More Florida Counties
Release Date: August 14, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-118
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal disaster aid for Florida storm victims has been extended again to include residents and business owners in the counties of Brevard, Glades, Hendry, Indian River and Okeechobee.
The assistance was authorized by Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. The action follows the addition of 16 other storm-damaged counties that Brown designated eligible for aid earlier today.
"The magnitude of this disaster and the scope of destruction is awesome," said Brown, who toured some of the hardest hit areas today with Gov. Jeb Bush. "Our commitment is to help people in need as fast as possible, and we are going to continue to do this wherever we find that the need exists."
The newly added jurisdictions bring to 25 the number counties that are eligible for individual assistance that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also are available to cover residential and businesses losses not fully compensated by insurance.
The counties previously designated for the assistance include Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, St. Johns, Sarasota, Seminole and Volusia.
Brown said that affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call a special TTY number at 1-800-462-7585.
Because of the anticipated high volume of initial calls, owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses are urged to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. He also advised that storm victims with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.
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: Saturday, 14-Aug-2004 23:44:46