Jefferson Davis County Designated For Individual Assistance
Release Date: June 6, 2003
Release Number: 1459-45
» More Information on Mississippi Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Jackson, MS -- Disaster assistance for Jefferson Davis County has been made available to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from the effects of the April 6th through 25th severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Mississippi, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and under secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Department of Homeland Security, said the disaster assistance was approved based on a review of damage data gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials. The county was added for the aid under the major disaster declaration issued by President Bush on April 24, 2003.
"We remain committed to delivering assistance wherever it's needed and to making sure that every qualified individual and family receives the help they need to get back on the road to recovery," Brown said.
Affected residents and business owners in Jefferson Davis County may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., everyday, until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call a special TTY number, 1-800-462-7585.
Brown said calling these numbers is the only way to apply for a wide range of state and federal disaster assistance programs that can include temporary housing, U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs.
Callers applying for assistance are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process:
- Your current phone number
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
- Your Social Security number, if available
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered
- Good directions to the property that was damaged
- If insured, your insurance policy number, or the agent's and company name
- General financial information
DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INFORMATION
When disaster strikes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administers a number of disaster assistance programs and coordinates the efforts of many other federal agencies that provide services to help people through the recovery process.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs
INDIVIDUALS & HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM (IHP): Used to provide financial and/or direct assistance to applicants who have disaster related necessary expenses and/or serious needs that are not addressed through other means. Under IHP, applicants may be eligible to receive Housing Assistance and/or Other Needs Assistance not to exceed the specific program limits or the overall cap established for a disaster.
Housing Assistance: Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided to address the applicants' eligible disaster related housing needs. Assistance may be provided to rent a different place to live or a temporary housing unit may be provided when other housing resources are not available. Homeowners may be eligible for Repair Assistance to repair damages as a result of the disaster that are not covered by insurance. As a condition of receiving Repair Assistance, flood insurance may be required if the home is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
OTHER NEEDS ASSISTANCE: Assistance may be provided for uninsured or under-insured disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs. This assistance may include such items as medical and dental expenses, funeral and/or burial services, transportation, clean-up equipment, moving and storage expenses, room furnishings and appliances, and other necessary needs.
U. S. Small Business Administration Programs
HOME/PERSONAL PROPERTY DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans are available to homeowners and renters for restoring or replacing under-insured or uninsured disaster-damaged real and personal proper
BUSINESS DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans are available to repair or replace destroyed or damaged business facilities, inventory, machinery, equipment, etc., not covered by insurance. Loans also may be available to small businesses for working capital to assist them during the disaster recovery period.
Last Modified: Friday, 06-Jun-2003 16:36:31