1-800 Numbers Provide Information for Victims of Hurricane Charley
Release Date: August 24, 2004
Release Number: 1539-037
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie
ORLANDO, Fla. -- In the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, Floridians struggle to get their lives back together. Federal, state and voluntary agencies and even insurance companies are coming to their aid by providing toll-free numbers to help people get information they need.
The most important number is the FEMA teleregistration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Victims should call this number to apply for assistance. When someone applies to FEMA the process starts with an inspection of your damaged home. Money for repairs or rental assistance, and possible grants for personal property not covered by insurance, may follow. This also starts the process for a possible U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loan.
“Calling our 1-800-621-FEMA registration number will get things started,” stated Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer. “Be sure to also call your insurance company first, then call us.”
A number of state agencies are providing assistance with 1-800 numbers as well, such as the Florida Department of Insurance at 1-800-22-STORM (1-800-227-8676). There are numbers to report price gouging, power outages, and to get help for senior citizens. There are also hotlines, help lines and referrals for medical care, pets and animals, even child care resources.
“Floridians need answers,” said Craig Fugate, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “These 1-800 numbers will help provide that information.”
Among the voluntary agencies there are the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and others.
More than 30 insurance companies have 1-800 numbers for their customers displaced by Hurricane Charley to contact them and get the insurance claim process started.
A list of 1-800 numbers for federal, state and voluntary agencies is provided below along with a list of the insurance companies’ 1-800 numbers.
The State Emergency Response Team is a collaboration of Florida’s emergency management agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’S mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impact. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief effort.
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: Sunday, 29-Aug-2004 15:27:01