After The April Storms: Disaster Assistance Available
Release Date: April 29, 2004
Release Number: 1512-004
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BEVERLY, Mass. -- State and federal disaster recovery officials urge residents who suffered damage or losses from the recent record-setting rains that flooded thousands of basements in areas of Eastern and Central Massachusetts to apply for assistance as soon as possible.
Massachusetts residents with uninsured disaster-related losses should call FEMA's registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for assistance. Those who are speech or hearing-impaired can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free application number is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
"By calling our toll-free number, homeowners and renters preserve all their assistance options," said James N. Russo, overseeing recovery operations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "It's easy, fast, and the only way to begin the process of helping us to help you," explained Russo.
"Disaster-relief programs are funded by taxpayer money set aside just for this purpose," said Cris McCombs, state coordinating officer for the recovery effort. "But we can't help people who don't register for help."
The various disaster aid programs and services offered by FEMA and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency include financial assistance to pay for temporary housing, emergency repairs or rebuilding, rental costs, and individual and household grants to cover serious unmet needs. Low-interest disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for uninsured damages to homes, personal property and businesses.
- TEMPORARY HOUSING -- Money to rent a different place to live or a temporary housing unit, when rental properties are not available.
- REPAIR -- Money for homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary and livable.
- OTHER NEEDS ASSISTANCE -- Money for necessary and serious needs caused by the disaster. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, and other expenses that FEMA approves.
Applicants for assistance should have the following information readily available:
- Current and pre-disaster address (if appropriate)
- Social Security number
- Current telephone numbers
- Insurance coverage, policy number(s) and agent's name
Disaster assistance for individuals and businesses is available to residents of Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcester Counties after a disaster declaration by President Bush on April 22.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 29-Apr-2004 17:03:07