Tips For Disaster Applicants
Release Date: November 18, 2002
Release Number: 1443-01
» More Information on Mississippi Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Columbus, MS -- If your family or business sustained losses in the recent tornadoes that struck five Mississippi counties, federal and state assistance may be available to help you recover. The five disaster-declared counties are Clay, Lowndes, Monroe, Noxubee and Oktibbeha.
Here are some suggestions for expediting that assistance.
- To receive assistance you must register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-621-3362. This puts your request in the database and determines the assistance you are eligible to receive. The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech or hearing impaired.
- Have your address, phone number, social security number, gross income and casualty insurance information available when you call.
- Your damage will be inspected. Give FEMA a telephone number where you can be reached. An inspector will call for an appointment. Arrange to be at home for the inspection; missing it will delay getting help.
- You should register even if your losses are covered by insurance. This protects your claim to assistance in the event hidden damage is discovered later.
- Your home or business structure doesn't have to be disaster damaged for you to receive assistance. Financial help may be available to repair vehicles or replace job equipment damaged or lost due to the disaster. If you lost essential personal property help may be available.
- You don't have to own real estate to receive assistance. Renters as well as property owners forced from their homes by disaster damage may apply for rental assistance to relocate temporarily while repairs are made.
- When you register you will be told you may have to complete a loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in order to receive assistance. You must complete this application before you can be referred to other disaster assistance programs.
Last Modified: Monday, 21-Apr-2003 09:21:32