FEMA Renews Call To The Elderly And Disabled To Register For Assistance
Release Date: January 19, 2006
Release Number: 1604-216
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JACKSON , Miss . -- The elderly and individuals with disabilities who have not yet applied for disaster assistance should take advantage of the March 11 extension to register, says the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
"Some elderly and disabled who are normally isolated and even more so after Hurricane Katrina are not aware they can register for disaster assistance," said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for the Mississippi disaster. The registration extension can be especially useful to get the word out to help these people contact FEMA."
FEMA's special needs team works hand-in-hand with Mississippi agencies to identify people who need extra help.
"Basic to the success of Mississippi 's recovery from this historic storm is to ensure all those adversely affected by it get registered with FEMA to start the assistance process," said MEMA Director Robert Latham. "No one is to be left out; it's up to everyone to extend a hand of help to those in special need."
The special needs team, in tandem with state and local agencies, urges residents suffering damages or losses in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to register by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362 ) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing- or speech-impaired. Individuals may also visit face-to-face with federal, state and voluntary agencies at one of the 18 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Mississippi .
When calling to register, people should mention any special needs they have; the FEMA agent can help by answering questions and directing them to voluntary organizations or local agencies that can provide additional assistance with specific issues, such as temporary housing or medical needs.
Individuals with disabilities and the elderly may also seek assistance for unmet needs through the following contacts:
- American Red Cross Helpline, 1-866-438-4636
- The Salvation Army Emergency Needs, 1-800-725-2769
- The Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services and your local agency on aging at 1-800-948-3090 for help with nutrition and legal matters, in-home services, insurance counseling and transportation.
- The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services at 1-800-443-1000 assists people with disabilities to find employment and provides services so that individuals with disabilities can live independently within the community.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Jan-2006 08:49:25