Registering with FEMA Helps Everyone
Release Date: July 8, 2008
Release Number: 1763-072
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowans have a strong sense of selflessness, according to reports from the nearly 300 community relations specialists of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Many persons who suffered damage from the recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding have told FEMA's community relations specialists that they are reluctant to register for assistance from FEMA because they don't want to take money away from those worse off than they are.
"I urge Iowans who have been affected by this year's severe weather to apply for FEMA assistance as soon as possible," said Governor Culver. "These dollars are here to help Iowans get back on their feet. However, now is the time to apply. So contact FEMA or visit one of the many local disaster recovery centers across the state. And together, we will be able to rebuild our state and return life to normal for all Iowans."
Disaster officials say that everyone should be aware that:
- FEMA assistance is not denied or reduced for anyone because others already have registered
- FEMA assistance grants are not taxable as income
- Social Security benefits are not reduced because you receive a FEMA grant
- FEMA assistance is a form of national self-insurance against disasters, not welfare
"When you and I pay taxes, part of that money is to insure ourselves against the worst effects of disasters," said Bill Vogel, federal coordinating officer for this disaster. "In the past, you've helped pay for other communities to come back from disaster. Now it's your turn. You've already paid money into our national rainy day fund, so to speak. By drawing on that money now, you help your family, your neighborhood and your community come back. And then, with your economy healthy again, Iowa will return to helping others when disaster hits them."
A side benefit of everyone registering and receiving the assistance for which they qualify is that an additional amount is set aside to help prevent the same thing from happening again. FEMA will give that money 20 percent of the cost of this disaster to the state to share with local governments on a variety of proven methods of hazard mitigation to prevent future damage in future storms and floods.
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, 09-Jul-2008 15:32:01