What Happens After Calling FEMA 

Release Date: September 29, 2005
Release Number: 1604-038

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina

Jackson, Miss. -- The word is out that disaster assistance is only a phone call away, but some Hurricane Katrina victims are unaware of what happens after they call the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY: 1-800-462-7585).

“When applicants understand the process, they feel a lot more relaxed and able to start the recovery process,” said William Carwile, federal coordinating officer for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

When those with disaster losses call the toll-free line, they are assigned a registration identification number for future reference in identifying their case. In most cases, a FEMA inspector will telephone to make an appointment to visit the damaged home or apartment and assess the losses.

The following are points to remember during inspections:

For Katrina evacuees whose homes remain inaccessible and cannot be inspected, the recently announced program of Transitional Housing assistance, through a partnership of FEMA and the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, offers three months of rental assistance while the recovery process continues in their home area.

After applicants have called the registration number, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may send a loan application packet. In order to be eligible for certain other types of assistance, including grants, it is important to complete and return the SBA packet. Help in completing the SBA loan application is available at the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).

Homeowners and renters whose primary residences cannot be lived in may be eligible for funds to pay for temporary rental housing or temporary repairs to make the home livable. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for funds to pay for other serious, disaster-caused needs including uncovered medical, dental or transportation expenses.

The SBA may provide low-interest, long-term loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes that are not fully insured. SBA loans cover such disaster-related expenses as debris removal on personal property, damaged and destroyed fences, tree trimming services, tree replacement, damaged and destroyed sheds and other outbuilding and landscaping losses. Applicants need not wait for an insurance settlement to apply with SBA.

Those who need more information or help with their application can:

For those eligible for assistance, a check should arrive within seven to ten days after the inspection.

Applicants who receive letters declaring them ineligible for FEMA disaster assistance can get an explanation or more information by referring to the handbook, the helpline or a DRC. Instructions for appealing a decision can be found in the Applicant’s Handbook. An appeal must be made in writing within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 29-Sep-2005 14:49:55