FEMA Places Model Of Temporary Trailer Home On Display 

Release Date: July 28, 2004
Release Number: 1522-099

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- This weekend the public will have an opportunity to see one type of the temporary housing units provided to eligible disaster assistance applicants by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Nearly 300 residents who lost their homes or saw them seriously damaged as a result of the severe storms, flooding and landslides that began Memorial Day weekend are temporarily living in travel trailer and mobile homes because rental housing is unavailable.

A FEMA travel trailer will be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 30, through Sunday, Aug. 1, at the Department of Motor Vehicles Parking Lot, 222 E. Third Ave., Williamson, Mingo County (next to the state police station).

The temporary homes are located on private and commercial sites in Mingo, Logan and Wyoming counties, areas heavily damaged by the storms. The residences offer temporary housing for disaster victims while their homes are repaired or until other permanent housing becomes available.

“Our priority is individuals with critical disaster housing needs – families or individuals in overcrowded conditions or who have medical problems, and residents whose homes represent an imminent danger,” said Lou Botta, federal coordinating officer.

The temporary travel trailer homes are 30 feet long and eight feet wide, are carpeted and are equipped to sleep five. They have full-size stove and refrigerator, sink, bath and shower.

Individuals with damages resulting from the storms should file an application with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362. Persons who are hearing-or-speech impaired can apply by calling a special TTY number at 1-800-462-7585.

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: Wednesday, 28-Jul-2004 15:13:45