Assistance Surpasses $ Half A Million for Tornado Declaration 

Release Date: April 21, 2006
Release Number: 1636-06-008

» More Information on Arkansas Severe Storms and Tornadoes

LITTLE ROCK, Ar. -- The first emergency housing and other needs assistance checks, totaling over $500,000, have been approved for Arkansas residents in the seven declared counties, officials from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) announced today.

The checks have been approved for residents with homes affected by the storms and tornadoes that ravaged areas of Arkansas in Conway, Cross, Fulton, Greene, Lawrence, Randolph and White counties the first three days of April, through FEMA’s Individuals & Households Program (IHP):

Housing Assistance Program

Approved Amount:

$373,396.40

Other Needs Assistance Program

Approved Amount:

$183,116.93

 

 

Total Amount Approved:

 

 

$556,513.33

Total Inspections Completed

 

273

Average Inspection Turnaround

 

Under 2 Days

Under the IHP, there are two types of disaster assistance: the first provides temporary financial housing assistance, e.g., rental assistance or minimal home repair, or direct housing assistance in which case housing facilities are provided directly to those affected; the second – other needs assistance – provides financial aid for items such as essential personal property, medical, dental, funeral expenses, transportation and other storm-related expenses.

The IHP provides grants that do not have to be paid back. It is not designed to return those affected by the storms and tornadoes to their pre-disaster condition, but rather to provide a helping hand with their long-term recovery. Long-term recovery is best achieved through a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

If an individual has insurance, grants may help cover basic essential needs not covered under the insurance policy. Some disaster assistance does not have to be paid back, while other help may come in the form of loans.

“This assistance is an important step in the recovery process, and reflects our commitment to providing disaster aid as quickly as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Carlos Mitchell. “In the weeks ahead, we will continue to work with our state, local and volunteer partners to help address the needs of Arkansas residents and businesses affected by the disaster.”

The Housing Assistance program provides grants to homeowners to make minor but necessary repairs for disaster-related damages. Also, grants for temporary rental assistance are available for both homeowners and renters.

“Meeting housing needs is one of our top priorities”, added State Coordinating Officer Richard Griffin. “Getting people into safe and sanitary living quarters is important so they can begin focusing on cleaning up and repairing their homes.”

To date, 527 residents have registered for disaster assistance in the seven declared counties:

Conway County

59

Cross County

75

Fulton County

9

Greene County

281

Lawrence County

5

Randolph County

47

White County

51

Those affected by the storms and tornadoes may call FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), to register for federal and state disaster assistance for losses between April 1st and 3rd. The hearing- or speech-impaired may call (TTY) 800-462-7585. Both numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. An application can also be filed online, 24 hours a day, at www.fema.gov.

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: Wednesday, 26-Apr-2006 14:27:43