Deadline Extended To Apply For Recovery Assistance
Release Date: December 14, 2002
Release Number: 1437-149
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Baton Rouge, LA -- Louisiana residents who suffered damage or losses due to Tropical Storm Isidore or Hurricane Lili now have until Jan. 3 to register for federal/state disaster assistance due to a second extension granted late yesterday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advised state officials that it had granted the state's request to extend the registration period a second time.
"In the 10 days prior to this request, we had more than 7,000 applications," said Art Jones, state coordinating officer. "It was clear we needed to keep the registration period open if we were going to reach all of the people who need help."
Joe M. Allbaugh, the director of FEMA, granted the extension request. "We hope this extra time will assure that everyone suffering uninsured damage due to the series of severe weather events will get the federal and state assistance they need to rebuild their lives," Allbaugh said.
The registration number is 800-621-FEMA. Those with speech or hearing impairments should call TTY/TDD 800-462-7585. The lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The holiday schedule calls for the registration lines to be open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. The lines will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Anyone who suffered damage in the 39 parishes included in the President's disaster declaration may be eligible for individual and family grant assistance.
Isidore made landfall near Grand Isle in Jefferson parish on Sept. 26, 2002. Hurricane Lili came ashore just one week later on Oct. 3 near Marsh Island in Iberia Parish.
Last Modified: Friday, 25-Apr-2003 10:42:28