For Those Affected In The District Of Columbia By Hurricane Isabel
Release Date: September 24, 2003
Release Number: 1493-02
» More Information on District of Columbia Hurricane Isabel
Washington, DC -- A toll-free application telephone number is operational -- for those who suffered uninsured damages in the District of Columbia due to Hurricane Isabel. Initial damage surveys found virtually no damaged households in the city. Though the few damaged homes are largely covered by insurance, help is available for people who have uninsured storm related needs. Disaster assistance provided by the government cannot duplicate insurance benefits.
Scott Wells, federal coordinating officer with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Peter LaPorte, district coordinating officer with the District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency, said those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance immediately. Applicants should call this toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA from 7 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
In response to a request from DC Mayor Anthony A. Williams on Friday, Sept. 20, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration on the very next day. The declaration designated the District of Columbia eligible for federal aid to help meet the recovery needs of stricken residents and business owners.
The declaration makes people who suffered damages in the city eligible for a wide range of programs such as funding for temporary disaster housing assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs, and disaster unemployment assistance.
People who lost food due to power outages following the hurricane will be referred to voluntary agencies for food-replacement assistance as city and federal disaster assistance does not provide such benefits.
"Your phone call is your application for both city and federal assistance available under the disaster declaration. Telephone application has proven to be the simplest, quickest, most efficient and confidential way to apply," LaPorte said.
When calling to apply have the following information available:
- Your current phone number;
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
- Your Social Security number, if available;
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered;
- If insured, the name of your company or agent and your policy number;
- General financial information; and
- Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit
"Don't prejudge your eligibility, even if you don't have all the information necessary or it was lost in the hurricane" LaPorte said. "It's important that all residents get the assistance, if eligible. Even if residents have already registered with the Red Cross, Salvation Army or another voluntary agency or have reported damage to other local officials, they can only apply for the city and federal assistance programs by calling FEMA's toll-free number."
Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Residents should contact their insurance agent first, then if they have unmet needs they should call FEMA to apply. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.
The Presidential disaster declaration also provides federal funding for the city government to pay 75 percent of eligible costs for debris removal, and emergency protective services related to the disaster.
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: Wednesday, 24-Sep-2003 08:42:04