PEMA, FEMA Offer Tips For Applying For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: April 28, 2005
Release Number: 1587-013
» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Applying for assistance after a disaster should be as stress free as possible. Residents who suffered damages resulting from the rain and floods that began on April 2 can benefit from guidelines that will help in the application process.
Residents are reminded that all registrations are received through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) toll free number from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. They are also taken online at www.fema.gov/about/process. Here are some tips to remember:
- Be sure FEMA always has a current telephone number and address;
- The damaged property’s street address should be clearly visible when an inspector is scheduled to visit the property. Sufficient time should be allowed for the inspection;
- Residents should call and apply for assistance even if they have insurance. Individuals who have insurance may still qualify for certain assistance;
- Renters can apply for help if they have personal property losses. They may be eligible for help for essential items not covered by insurance.
- Both renters and homeowners forced from their homes may receive temporary housing assistance;
- If given a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application, it should be completed and returned even if the applicant does not want a loan. It will help determine their eligibility for a grant;
- To check the status of an application, or to amend it—to report newly-discovered damage, for example—contact FEMA’s Helpline using the teleregistration numbers 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.
- After registering with FEMA the applicant can visit a PEMA/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for information on services offered by the state, to update their application, find out how to prevent future flood damage, or to get help with the SBA application forms.
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, 29-Apr-2005 08:14:39