First Check to go to Kansas Tornado Vicitms 

Release Date: May 11, 1999
Release Number: 1273-02

» More Information on Kansas Tornadoes and Severe Storms

WICHITA, Kan. -- In the first week that residents of Sedgwick County have been eligible for state and federal disaster aid, more than $133,000 in Disaster Housing Assistance has been paid to residents affected by the tornadoes. Also, the first Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG) checks were processed by the state of Kansas today, May 11.

On May 4, President Clinton declared Sedgwick County a major disaster area. The declaration made residents and business owners in that county eligible to apply for various disaster assistance programs.

Disaster assistance can come in the form of grants to pay for alternate short-term housing until repairs to the damaged dwelling can be made, and/or grants to make minimal home repairs.

In addition to disaster housing assistance, other available recovery programs include: low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters or business owners; grants to meet serious disaster-related needs not covered by other programs, and disaster unemployment assistance.

Those who sustained damage to their residence or business because of the severe storms and tornadoes starting on May 3 should apply for disaster assistance by calling toll-free 1-800-462-9029. Hearing or speech-impaired applicants may call TTY: 1-800-462-7585. Hours to call are daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT.

So far, more than 1,400 people in Sedgwick County have registered for disaster assistance. State and federal disaster recovery officials point out that renters, as well as homeowners, can apply.

Those who have already applied but have questions about the status of their applications can call the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-525-0321 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or visit the Disaster Recovery Center, located in the Old Leeker Building at 325 Main in Haysville. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, until further notice.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Dec-2003 15:31:04