Registering With Voluntary Agencies for Disaster Aid Does Not Register You with FEMA
Release Date: May 7, 2007
Release Number: 1697-005
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms and Tornadoes
EAGLE PASS, Texas -- It is important to know that if you suffered damages and losses from the severe storms and tornadoes of April 21-24, and registered with any voluntary agency for assistance, it does not register you with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
You must contact FEMA to register for government assistance. There are two easy ways to begin the FEMA application process. You may call to FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Lines are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and multilingual operators are also available to answer your call. Residents with Internet access can also register online at www.fema.gov.
The following is important information on the registration process and what to expect after you call or register online:
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Your call is confidential, and the information will be used only to determine what type of assistance is most appropriate.
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This call is your application and usually takes only 15-20 minutes to complete. You will be asked general information about your income, your insurance and how badly your residence or business was damaged. You should give details about your housing needs.
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You will be given an application number, which will help locate your application in the system in the future. Write this number down so you will have it handy.
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Within a few days, a FEMA inspector will call you to arrange an appointment to visit your damaged home or apartment.
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Please note that FEMA inspectors and all voluntary, county, state and federal disaster-related personnel such as the U.S. Small Business Administration should show you official photo identification to prove their identity. If an inspector or anyone asking for access to your home cannot show you a photo ID, do not let them into your home, and call your local law enforcement agency. FEMA inspectors do not recommend repairs and never charge for their services.
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The FEMA inspection is mandatory. Before an application can be completed and approved, the location must be inspected to verify the nature and extent of damage suffered by those who have registered for federal disaster assistance. The inspector will document the damages and send that information through the appropriate channels.
- You will be asked to sign a document stating that you were lawfully present in the U.S. at the time of the disaster. You will need to present proper identification.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2007 13:40:36