Weekly Summary
Release Date: December 13, 2004
Release Number: 1552-073
» More Information on Puerto Rico Tropical Storm Jeanne and Resulting Landslides and Mudslides
- To date, over $384.6 million has been approved in federal disaster assistance to eligible applicants in the 58 declared municipalities. This aid included grants for basic needs, such as essential repairs, alternate housing and other disaster-related needs not met by insurance or other assistance programs. More than 205 thousand residents in the declared disaster area have applied for disaster assistance.
- Even after the deadline, FEMA’s support will continue available, just a telephone call away. Those who already applied may reach FEMA through the Helpline at 1-800 621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585, for those with hearing or speech impairment), to check on the status of their application and other related information.
- The Helpline is a permanent FEMA service. The Helpline is available daily, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., until further notice.
- FEMA applicants whose home or business were inspected two weeks ago, and have not yet received any mail from FEMA, are urged to call the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-3362, to confirm if mail has been remitted. If so, they must visit the US Post Office in their municipality.
- Applicants can visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), as an initial step to get general advice on their disaster aid application. The DRCs are open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- There are currently two DRCs located in Fajardo and Ciales; they will continue operations until Friday, December 17, 2004.
- Fajardo: Municipal Legislature Hall, City Hall (2nd Floor), Dr. López Street (corner of Muñoz Rivera St.). (The Canóvanas DRC merged with this DRC).
- Ciales: María Isabel Blanco Library, Rd. 149 (entering the town; in front of the cemetery)
- Disaster victims who are having difficulty coping with some disaster related stress-induced problems should seek crisis counseling by calling 1-800-981-0023. The line is available daily, 24 hours a day.
- Those needing disaster legal assistance may contact Pro-Bono, Inc., a division of the Bar Association of Puerto Rico. The service is available by calling (787) 721-3398.
- If you know of someone who is taking advantage of others’ misfortune by filing false damage claims, you may report this or other instances of fraud to the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603, available 24 hours a day. All calls are confidential.
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: Monday, 13-Dec-2004 10:34:35