Approved Disaster Assistance Tops $8.5 Million in Two Weeks 

Release Date: December 22, 2007
Release Number: 1734-016

» More Information on Washington Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Lacey, Wash. -- In the two weeks since a federally declared disaster was declared for Washington, more than $8.58  million in federal Individual Assistance (IA) has been approved. To date more than 6,200 families or individuals have already registered for assistance. The nine counties now designated for IA include: Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Snohomish and Thurston.

There are now Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in all nine designated counties. Some 1,400 applicants have visited a DRC to meet face to face with representatives from state and federal agencies to find answers to questions they may have about the recovery process. People should register with FEMA before coming to the DRC. Some phones and computers are available at the DRCs for those without access. Holiday hours of operation are: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 and closed Dec. 25. Normal hours of DRC operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $748,000 in low-interest disaster loans to Washington residents and businesses.  The SBA provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private non-profit organizations and businesses of all sizes.

Residents and small business owners in the nine designated counties who suffered damage from the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides are encouraged to apply for assistance by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice. Persons already registered can call this number and get updates on their cases by choosing option two to reach the FEMA Helpline. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Additionally, those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance by going online to www.fema.gov  which is available around the clock.

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, 24-Dec-2007 09:22:27