FEMA And IDHS Ask You To "Tell Your Neighbor"
Release Date: June 30, 2008
Release Number: 1766-026
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) are pulling out all the stops to make sure every eligible resident knows about the availability of disaster assistance. So far the agencies have used radio, newspapers, Internet, flyers, and door-to-door visits to get the word out. Now they are enlisting you, the public, to help in disaster recovery efforts by asking citizens to notify their neighbors that they may be eligible to receive federal disaster help.
Severe storms beginning on May 30 started a devastating period of tornado and flood events in the Hoosier State. The widespread damage brought on a presidential disaster declaration and made many area residents eligible for federal programs designed to assist people in recovery.
Assistance comes in many forms such as grants, low-interest loans, unemployment benefits, crisis counseling, etc. Officials want to make sure no one is overlooked who might be eligible.
"All we are asking is that you look out for your neighbors and make sure they know about the available assistance," said Joseph E. Wainscott, Jr., IDHS executive director. "Show you care and take a few moments to call or knock on your neighbors' doors to see if they registered with FEMA."
"Disasters are the worst of times," said Mike Smith, FEMA federal coordinating officer - the president's designated representative for the Indiana disaster declaration. "On the other hand, disasters tend to bring out the best in most people, so we're confident the public will help speed the recovery by talking to their neighbors."
Eligible homeowners, renters and businesses in 37 designated counties affected by storms, tornadoes and flooding that began on May 30 (and continue) should apply as soon as possible by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Speech- or hearing-impaired may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Individuals can also register for disaster assistance and find a list of designated-eligible Indiana counties at the FEMA Web site www.fema.gov.
Residents of the disaster area are also being reminded that the U.S. Small Business Administration makes low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of any size. Small businesses may apply to SBA for economic injury loans for working capital to assist them through the disaster recovery period.
Applicants who received an SBA loan application in their registration packet are urged to fill out the application and return it to the SBA. The application is a necessary step to receive certain types of FEMA grants. Applicants are not required to accept an SBA low-interest disaster loan if approved for one. Tell your neighbor.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 30-Jun-2008 15:38:27