Registering With Red Cross Not The Same As With FEMA 

Release Date: October 15, 2002
Release Number: 1435-45

» More Information on Louisiana Tropical Storm Isidore

Baton Rouge, LA -- People who come to the American Red Cross (ARC) for disaster assistance should understand that they aren't registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for help.

The two agencies work together closely after a disaster occurs, but their missions, programs and funding are completely different.

FEMA is a federal agency that is funded by congress and administers disaster programs determined by federal officials. The Red Cross is a volunteer agency that raises its funds publicly and which determines it own programs. Their telephone numbers are:

Both agencies have been exceptionally active following landfall by Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili.

In summary, FEMA had registered 70,626 people seeking disaster assistance as of the close of business Sunday. FEMA also had disbursed more than $10.7 million to approved applicants in Louisiana as of close of business Sunday, Oct.12, 2002.

The Red Cross as of Sunday night was still operating three shelters that housed 89 people who remained without livable residences and to date has provided more than 800,000 meals to those in need as a result of the storms.

Last Modified: Thursday, 24-Jul-2003 17:02:34