King and Snohomish Counties Designated for Disaster Assistance
Release Date: December 21, 2007
Release Number: 1734-014
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
Lacey, Wash. -- The residents of King and Snohomish counties have been added to those designated for federal disaster assistance, federal and state officials announced today. Residents and small business owners in these counties who suffered property damages or losses from the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began Dec. 1, can now register for federal and state disaster assistance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
There are now nine counties approved for federal individual assistance: Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Snohomish and Thurston.
Officials encourage those affected by the disaster to apply for assistance immediately by going online to www.fema.gov or by calling FEMA'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. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
A wide range of assistance is now available to residents including grants for temporary disaster housing, other serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or assistance programs.
When applying for help, people should be sure to have the following information available:
- Current phone number;
- Both the current address and the address of the damaged property;
- Social Security number, if available;
- General financial information;
- Bank account information for direct deposit.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate applicants for all losses. Government assistance will help pay for basic needs not covered under insurance but will not duplicate insurance or other assistance. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other help may come in the form of loans.
Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
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: Wednesday, 26-Dec-2007 11:37:11