Crawford County Designated For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: April 6, 2006
Release Number: 1631-024
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Disaster assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been made available for homeowners, renters and business owners in Crawford County in the wake of severe storms and tornados that impacted the state on March 11 to March 13.
"What this means is that residents and business owners in Crawford County are now eligible to apply for assistance to recover from the recent severe weather," said Thomas J. Costello, FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster recovery effort.
Affected Missouri residents and business owners may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST, seven days a week until further notice. Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. People also may register online at www.fema.gov.
"This is the first step for individuals or businesses to receive federal disaster assistance." said Ron Reynolds, Director of the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency.
Disaster assistance may come in the form of money and services to people in disaster areas where loses are not covered by insurance and property has been damaged or destroyed. Assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, and both businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes whose property was damaged or destroyed in the declared primary counties. The SBA also makes disaster loans available to qualified small businesses (located in both primary and neighboring counties) that have suffered economic injury as a result of the disaster. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property. And businesses may borrow up to $1.5 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 10-Apr-2006 07:37:28