Community Relations Teams Blanket Storm-Damaged Counties 

Release Date: July 11, 2007
Release Number: 1711-011

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WICHITA, Kan. -- Community Relations (CR) teams of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are busy reaching out to those affected by the severe storms and flooding of June 26 and continuing.

These teams are canvassing neighborhoods and spreading the word that disaster aid is available. They deliver vital disaster recovery information to storm victims as well as coordinate with county emergency managers and other local officials. CR teams also provide valuable information on the location of the nearest Disaster Recovery Center.

"As soon as a disaster is declared, CR teams mobilize and work directly with citizens by going door to door and covering every level of the local community," said Michael L. Karl, federal coordinating officer for Kansas recovery operations. "CR officers are communication lifelines for valuable disaster recovery information for residents, local governments, businesses, religious organizations and volunteer agencies."

CR teams continue to encourage those who have damages and losses as a result of the storms to register with FEMA by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center, calling FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY 1-800-462-7585). Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST seven days a week. Register online at any time on the FEMA website at: www.fema.gov.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) and FEMA continue to work closely with community-based organizations, community leaders and public officials to assist Kansans in recovery efforts.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal Rights. If you are suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the Fraud hotline at 1-800-323-8603.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955.

Last Modified: Thursday, 12-Jul-2007 16:34:11