More Than $5 Million Approved For Indiana Disaster Victims  

Phone Applications Still Being Taken

Release Date: September 22, 2003
Release Number: 1487-14

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Indianapolis, IN -Totals of $5,147,057 in grants and $133,000 in low-interest disaster loans have been approved for Indiana residents who have called to apply for disaster assistance since President Bush declared a disaster on September 5, according to figures released today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Disaster recovery officials urge anyone who suffered damages or loss from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between August 26 and September 15 to apply for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice

"Your application will not take assistance away from others who are eligible, whether they live in the next county or in North Carolina," Patrick Ralston, SEMA state coordinating officer, said. "These are tax dollars that have been set aside to help people get back on their feet after a disaster. If you suffered damage, make that call to apply."

The following is a summary of disaster recovery efforts as of close of business September 21.

Disaster assistance grants and loans that have been approved for Indiana residents:

In addition:

Individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the late summer storms and flooding may be eligible for assistance from the Individuals and Households Program. This assistance may be used for temporary disaster housing assistance; repairing disaster-damaged, uninsured homes to a safe, sanitary and functional condition and replacement grants for serious, disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance, which is administered by the state and funded by FEMA, is available to help individuals affected by the disaster who are not covered by regular unemployment insurance. Those interested should first call the FEMA toll-free application line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), then apply at your local WorkOne Center. WorkOne Centers can be found by calling 1-888-WORKONE or log on to the Department of Workforce Development web site at www.workforce.IN.gov/dwd/.

Crisis Counseling: People who have gone through a disaster such as a tornado and flooding may experience trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, depression and lack of concentration. Talking about disaster experiences and sharing feelings about them will help people feel better about what has happened. Those interested in crisis counseling services should call 1-800-564-6460. The phone line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Another form of disaster assistance available to victims of the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding is Disaster Legal Assistance provided by the State Bar Association. These disaster legal services are meant for low-income individuals who, prior to or because of the disaster, are unable to secure legal services adequate to meet their needs. To contact one of these attorneys, call 1-800-266-2581 and tell the operator you are a FEMA applicant. The first available attorney will return your call as soon as possible.

Voluntary Agencies are still providing services to victims of the disaster who have immediate needs. Indiana Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster and the Information and Referral Network, Inc. have set up an Indiana Flood Helpline for information and referrals to recovery resources and cleanup assistance. Call 888-259-2683, daily, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or register anytime at www.earss.com.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open for disaster victims to meet face-to-face with representatives from FEMA and other assistance agencies and get their questions answered about disaster assistance. The following centers are open 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until further notice, or as indicated:

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) The SBA has issued 2,046 loan applications to homeowners and 303 to business owners. Officials urge applicants to complete their loan paperwork as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the loan application is not returned it will delay other forms of disaster assistance. SBA representatives are available at all Disaster Recovery Centers for applicants who need assistance completing their loan paperwork.

Disaster Assistance by County

MEDIA NOTE: The following chart shows a county-by-county breakdown of telephone applications received and grants approved for the Individuals and Households Program in the 21 Indiana disaster-declared counties. All figures are as of close of business, Sunday, September 21.

    Individuals and
Households Program		     Individuals and
Households Program
County
 Apps
Rcvd		 Grants
Approved		 Amount
Approved
County
 Apps
Rcvd		 Grants
Approved		 Amount
Approved
Blackford 1 -- -- Jay 3 -- --
Boone 30 16 $33,836 Johnson 11 4 $11,980
Clay 24 11 $15,519 Madison 274 165 $312,020
Delaware 120 82 $218,788 Marion 1,963 1,290 $3,615,069
Grant 8 5 $9,031 Monroe 1 -- --
Greene 3 -- -- Montgomery 5 -- --
Hamilton 189 110 $310,857 Morgan 55 27 $87,712
Hancock 27 14 $29,288 Owen 17 6 $32,614
Hendricks 154 93 $227,034 Putnam 26 17 $75,154
Henry 30 14 $22,633 Randolph 29 19 $61,722
  Shelby 3 -- --

Media Note: While the number of applicants for each county is listed, the number of grants and the amounts are not listed if there are less than three approved claims for that county, in order to preserve the privacy of individuals.

Last Modified: Monday, 22-Sep-2003 15:31:44