State/Federal Disaster Recovery Summary
Release Date: August 27, 1999
Release Number: 1286-05
» More Information on Nebraska Severe Storms and Flooding
OMAHA, Neb. --
BACKGROUND:
- On Aug. 20, President Clinton signed a major disaster declaration for three Nebraska counties - Burt, Douglas and Washington - following severe storms and flooding that struck the area August 6-9. Charles Biggs, of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) regional office in Kansas City, MO, was named federal coordinating officer for the relief effort. The state coordinating officer is Fran Laden. A Disaster Field Office has been established in downtown Omaha to coordinate state/federal recovery efforts.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE SUMMARY:
- As of Thursday, August 26, more than 1,738 individuals and businesses have applied for assistance through FEMA's toll-free registration telephone line. People who have suffered damage may register for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-462-9029, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The toll-free number for the speech-and-hearing impaired is: (TTY) 1-800-462-7585
- FEMA has approved more than $272,000 in disaster housing grants for 232 eligible Nebraskans affected by the disaster. This money will assist residents to pay for temporary housing as well as to make minimal repairs not covered by insurance to make their damaged homes habitable
- A Disaster Recovery Center will open on Monday, Aug. 30, in the Florence Community Center, 2920 Bondesson St. The center will be staffed with representatives of federal, state and voluntary agencies who will provide information and answer questions about the assistance available to residents of Burt, Douglas and Washington counties. The center will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until further notice
- Voluntary Agencies - Persons with emergency needs may contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-788-1736. ARC reports that it has served 1,008 cases thus far. Other agencies that are providing various services in this disaster are Salvation Army, Adventist Community Services, Mennonite Disaster Services, Church of Christ, United Way (402-444-6666), American Baptist Men, Nebraska Lions Club, and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
- Public Assistance - In addition to aid to individuals and businesses, federal disaster funds can be provided to the State and eligible affected local governments to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and restoring damaged public facilities. So far, 20 political subdivisions have applied for state and federal assistance
- FEMA Community Relations teams have been going door-to-door in affected areas, acquainting residents with available help and the application process. Community Relations officers have also met with public officials and community leaders to make sure all eligible individuals of the storms and flooding are getting critical disaster assistance information
- After registering for disaster assistance, applicants can call the FEMA Helpline to check the status of their applications or get additional information. The toll-free Helpline number is: 1-800-525-0321 or (TTY) 1-800-660-8005 for persons with hearing or speech impairments
The Helpline is in operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Last Modified: Friday, 12-Dec-2003 13:00:44