FEMA Helps Texas Disaster Victims In Any Language
Release Date: November 11, 2005
Release Number: 1606-067
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Austin, TX - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants non-English speaking hurricane victims in Texas to know they can receive assistance information in their native language.
"We are sensitive to the language differences, as well as the cultural and religious diversity of our Texas disaster victims," said Mayra Lopez-De-Victoria, FEMA multi-lingual outreach spokesperson. "FEMA has taken steps to ensure that language is not a barrier."
When a hurricane victim calls FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 to register for disaster assistance or to get information, they can choose English, Spanish or other language (option no. 3). Callers choosing option no. 3 receive immediate assistance in 21 different languages. The languages readily available to Texas residents include the following: Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, Chinese (Mandarin), German, French, Korean, Russian and Creole.
Non-English speaking callers who need assistance in a language not listed above have the option of 157 additional languages. When a call comes in for non-English assistance, it is forwarded to a Language Services Coordinator who determines the language and dialect needed. The caller is then given help with registering for aid and has questions answered by someone speaking his or her native language.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Nov-2005 15:42:31