Insured Individuals Should Still Register For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: November 23, 2004
Release Number: 1549-084

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Ivan

MOBILE, Ala -- With recovery well underway following September’s devastating hurricane, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) are urging individuals and businesses to apply for assistance before the Jan. 3, 2005 deadline – even if they have received an insurance settlement, or are waiting to hear from their insurance company.

“We can’t pay your deductible, but you may be either uninsured or under-insured for certain expenses or losses, or there may be other ways that we can help you,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Tony Russell. “After a disaster hits, it can take a while for people to resolve insurance questions, so we encourage folks to consider registering for help now.”

Insured individuals may be eligible for assistance ranging from emergency housing aid, grants for other serious disaster-related needs and crisis counseling. Low-interest loans are also available for homeowners, renters and businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). By law, disaster assistance cannot pay for losses compensated from other sources.

“We want everyone who is qualified for assistance to receive help while it is available,” said AEMA’s State Coordinating Officer Bruce Baughman. “That is why we encourage people to register, regardless of their insurance situation.”

Like FEMA, SBA urges all disaster victims to register for assistance regardless of the status of their insurance claims. Later, SBA can take into account insurance settlements received by the disaster victim and adjust the eligible loan amount accordingly. If applicants do not qualify for a loan, they may then be considered for other forms of assistance.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 23-Nov-2004 13:33:39