Register With FEMA Even If You Have Insurance
Release Date: May 14, 2007
Release Number: 1697-014
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms and Tornadoes
EAGLE PASS, Texas -- If the severe storms and tornadoes of April 21-24 did more damage to your personal or business property than your insurance will cover, or if you had no insurance at all, you may be eligible for a variety of state and federal disaster aid programs. The vital key is to register with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. You can also register online at www.fema.gov.
As recovery efforts continue, many residents of disaster-declared areas are discovering that the cost of cleanup and repair may be more than they originally estimated. Insurance settlements may not cover all the repair costs or provide for damaged contents.
“People should never rule themselves out for recovery assistance,” said Tony Russell in charge of recovery efforts for FEMA. “A broad range of disaster aid programs is available to help people rebuild after a disaster and one or more of them may meet needs not addressed through insurance coverage.”
Available disaster aid includes financial assistance to pay for temporary housing, emergency repairs or rebuilding, rental costs, and individual and household grants to cover other disaster-related needs. Also, low-interest disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for uninsured damages to homes, personal property, and businesses.
“We want to make sure that everyone affected by the storm applies if they have disaster-related expenses,” said Joan Haun, state coordinating officer. “There is no need to wait for an insurance settlement before calling to apply.”
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s 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, 14-May-2007 14:05:03