Don't Let 10 Days Pass Without Visit From Fema Inspector; Stay In Touch
Release Date: October 12, 2004
Release Number: 1539-189
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Floridians who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance and were assigned an application number are usually visited by a FEMA inspector within ten days.
Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Carwile points out, however, that few precedents apply to the four hurricanes that impacted the state within a 44-day period. “If it has been ten days since registration and you have not already been inspected,” he said. “Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) without delay to check on your status.”
He explained that the caller will be given three recorded options: “Press 1” to register;
“Press 2” to change your address or phone number, and “Press 3” to ask a Helpline representative to check the status of your application. Helpline open hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice.
After every major disaster many displaced families change addresses a number of times. Sometimes in the process they forget to call the registration line to update their address and leave a phone number where they can be reached.
“The important point is to stay in touch,” State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate emphasized. “Unless you update your phone number, the number given at the time of registration is the only one FEMA will have.”
FEMA is working hard to handle the unprecedented volume of calls by keeping the registration number open 24-hours a day, seven days per week.
The State Emergency Response Team is a collaboration of state agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’s mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impact. For the latest information on the hurricane relief effort, visit http://www.floridadisaster.org.
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, 17-Nov-2004 09:19:23