Late December to Early January Disaster Declaration Expanded To Include Six Counties
Release Date: March 17, 2005
Release Number: 1577-026
» More Information on California Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and Mudslides
PASADENA, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Santa Barbara counties have also been determined eligible for federal disaster aid to help residents recover from the severe storms, flooding, debris flows and mudslides which occurred from December 27, 2004 through January 11, 2005.
“After reassessing the extensive storm damages throughout Southern California, federal and state officials have concluded that homeowners, renters and businesses in six additional counties are eligible for disaster aid,” said FEMA’s David Fukutomi, federal coordinating officer.
“We welcome today’s announcement by FEMA,” said OES Director and State Coordinating Officer Henry Renteria, who requested reassessment of damages on behalf of Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger. “It is great news for homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered losses during the December 27th through January 11th storms. We remain committed to working with FEMA to ensure that all qualified Californians receive the help they are eligible for under the law.”
The only way residents can register for federal and state disaster aid is through FEMA’s toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (621-3362). The number for the hearing or speech impaired is 1-800-462-7585, TTY. Operators are available from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. daily. The assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other aid programs. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and businesses losses not fully compensated by insurance.
People in the newly declared counties, who suffered damage in the December 27 through January 11, storms have 60 days to register with FEMA. May 15, 2005 is the last day for residents in all eight declared counties, including Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
OES coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade and war-caused emergencies and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
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.
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, 18-Mar-2005 08:16:46