Tornado Victims Eligible for Disaster Assistance
Release Date: July 28, 2000
Release Number: 1333-10
» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms, Flooding And Tornadoes
Minneapolis, MN -- Yellow Medicine County has been added to the current Presidential disaster declaration, according to The Federal Emergency Management Agency. Victims of the tornado that struck Granite Falls on July 25th will now be eligible to apply for state and federal disaster assistance programs and services.
Residents of Yellow Medicine county who suffered damage from the tornado may now apply for individual assistance by calling FEMA toll-free at 1 800 462-9029. For those with speech or hearing impairment the TTY number is 1 800 462-7585. Both numbers are operational between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (CT), seven days a week, until further notice.
Homeowners, renters and business owners are encouraged to call the teleregistration number, even if they carry insurance. This call begins the application process for a wide range of state and federal disaster assistance programs such as funding or disaster housing assistance, U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs.
Phone-in application has proven to be the simplest, quickest and most efficient way to apply. Your phone call is your application for state and federal assistance available under the disaster declaration," said Kevin Leuer, state coordinating officer, Minnesota Department of Emergency Management (DEM).
When calling to apply, having the following information available can speed processing time:
- Your current phone number.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
- Your Social Security number, if available.
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered.
- Good directions to the property that was damaged.
- If insured, your insurance policy number, or the agent's and company name.
- General financial information.
Ted Monette, FEMA's federal coordinating officer, urges individuals who have suffered damage or loss and have unmet needs to call the application number immediately. "Even if you don't have all the information necessary, don't hesitate to call and don't prejudge your eligibility," he said. "It's important that all impacted residents get the assistance they are entitled to."
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 13:03:09