President Orders Disaster Aid For North Carolina Hurricane Victims
Release Date: September 18, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-191
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Washington, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported today that President Bush has ordered the release of federal disaster funds and emergency resources to aid people devastated by Hurricane Isabel's assault on North Carolina this afternoon.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA Director and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at Homeland Security, said the President took the action under a major disaster declaration issued immediately after receiving FEMA's analysis of the state's expedited request for federal assistance. The declaration covers damage to private property from Isabel beginning on September 18.
"President Bush acted quickly because of his great concern for the safety and welfare of the people who stood in the path of this fierce storm," Brown said. "He has directed the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance to meet immediate needs and to help get them back on the road to recovery as fast as possible."
Brown said emergency assistance triggered by the declaration can range from the use of federal personnel, equipment and lifesaving systems to the delivery of heavy-duty generators, plastic sheeting, tents, cots, food, water, medical aid and other essential supplies and materials for sustaining human life.
"We've deployed disaster teams, emergency stores and other federal response assets well in advance of the storm and are ready to provide assistance for critical needs wherever it is required," Brown said.
In addition to emergency aid, Brown said the declaration makes federal funds available for the long-term recovery of hurricane-stricken residents and business owners in the following 26 counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Edgecombe, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Martin, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell and Washington.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, 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 will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Additionally, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the 26 designated counties to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal and emergency services related to the hurricane, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government.
Brown indicated that more counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later as conditions allow damage to be assessed throughout the stricken area. He named Gracia Szczech of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Szczech said that affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Friday, September 19, from 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week until further notice.
Because of the anticipated high volume of initial calls, Szczech urged owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. He also advised that hurricane 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 Citizens Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 19-Sep-2003 10:31:43