May 2 Storm Victims Urged To Register With FEMA For Disaster Aid
Release Date: May 22, 2008
Release Number: 1758-002
» More Information on Arkansas Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- State and federal officials encourage those who suffered losses and damages from the May 2 storms to call and register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free registration numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Also, online registration is available at www.fema.gov.
Under the presidential declaration of May 20, the disaster-designated counties of Benton, Cleburne, Conway, Crittenden, Grant, Lonoke, Mississippi, Pulaski, Saline, and Van Buren are eligible for Individual Assistance to help individuals and families cope with the losses and damages from the May storms.
It is important to call FEMA even though you may have called other agencies or volunteer organizations in your area, State Coordinating Officer Richard Griffin of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) said. "Keep clear records and receipts of any repairs and take photos if possible."
Applicants are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process:
- Current phone number;
- Address at the time of the disaster and the address where they are now staying;
- Social Security number, if available;
- A general list of damages and losses they suffered; and
- If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to homeowners, renters and businesses. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visit the Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
"Registration is the first important step in the recovery process, Federal Coordinating Officer Ken Riley said. Even if you have registered for assistance with FEMA for other disasters, its important that you call and register again for the May 2 incident."
Last Modified: Friday, 23-May-2008 09:12:23