President Bush Declares Major Disaster For Second Florida Hurricane Strike
Release Date: September 4, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-152a
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Frances
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has ordered the federal government to provide all necessary resources and assets for Florida to aid people victimized by the second hurricane to strike the state in less than a month.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action under a major disaster declaration issued for Florida in response to Hurricane Frances that began affecting the state’s eastern coastline on September 3. The declaration follows the major disaster declared for the state on August 13 due to Hurricane Charley.
“President Bush knows that the people of Florida have been devastated by these storms and he remains committed to doing all he can to help aid and comfort them,” Brown said. “The federal family and our state and local partners are prepared to continue to deliver assistance wherever needed as fast and efficiently as possible.”
Brown said emergency assistance triggered by the declaration can range from the use of federal personnel, equipment and lifesaving systems to the delivery of heavy-duty generators, plastic sheeting, tents, cots, food, water, medical aid and other essential supplies and materials for sustaining human life.
In addition to emergency aid, Brown said the declaration makes federal funds available for the long-term recovery of hurricane-stricken residents and business owners in the counties of Brevard, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach and St. Lucie.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Additionally, Brown said the state and affected local governments in all 67 counties are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 100 percent of the approved costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the storm, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government, for the first 72 hours following the declaration. Federal funding also will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that aid for residents in other counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later as conditions allow damage to be assessed throughout the stricken area. He named William L. Carwile, III of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Brown said that those in the five counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.
Brown emphasized that assistance will continue to be available for people affected by Charley. He said that those in the designated counties of Brevard and Indian River who sustained losses from both storms are eligible to apply for assistance again for damage caused by Frances.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Sunday, 05-Sep-2004 18:09:52