Applying For Assistance: It's Easy And It's One-Step
Release Date: April 7, 2006
Release Number: 1633-007
» More Information on Illinois Tornadoes and Severe Storms
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- State and federal disaster officials remind homeowners, renters, and businesses in Sangamon, Greene, and Morgan counties affected by the March 11-13 severe storms and tornados to apply for assistance simply by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA).
“I want to clear up any confusion about the application process,” Ron Sherman, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer, said. “It’s a one-step, one call process that can be completed from the privacy of your home. You do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to complete the application process.”
There are two easy ways to begin the application process. You may call to the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice, and multilingual operators are also available. People also may register online at FEMA’s redesigned and user-friendly website: www.fema.gov.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director William Burke urges everyone who suffered damage to call the FEMA toll-free application number. “With one call, individuals can apply for a wide range of disaster assistance,” Burke said. Temporary housing and home repair grants, low-interest disaster loans for individuals and business owners, and disaster unemployment assistance are available to help disaster victims.
FREE SEMINAR FOR STRONGER HOMES
Are you interested in learning how to protect your home from high winds and storms? State and federal emergency management officials announce a free seminar for individuals and trade professionals interested in building stronger structures. Professionals will discuss various techniques and materials that will increase disaster-resistance in home and commercial construction. To learn more, plan on participating in this seminar at the Springfield Public Library Carnegie Room North, on April 11; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for contractors and code officials, and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for home and business owners.
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. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 11-Apr-2006 11:32:54