FEMA's Toll Free 800 Phone Line Open Six Days A Week 

Release Date: July 14, 2002
Release Number: 1426-03

» More Information on Guam Typhoon Chata'an

Hagatna, Guam -- The toll free 800 telephone line for Guam residents to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now open 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 8 am to 6 pm Guam time.

That telephone number, 1-800-621-3362, is what Guam residents should call if they plan to seek help when FEMA opens on-island offices where applications for various disaster assistance programs will be taken in person. No firm date has been set for the opening of these Disaster Recovery Centers, but it is expected they will be up and running in at least 2 locations in several days.

On Saturday FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh announced that Individual Assistance has been added to the disaster declaration issued on July 6 by President Bush. Allbaugh said that residents and business owners in Guam may apply for a wide range of disaster assistance programs under the major disaster declaration.

But the first step in that process is to call 1-800-621-3362. It is a free call. Persons with speech or hearing impairments may also call toll free TTY 800-462-7585.

Please be ready to give some basic information about yourself, such as name, social security number, address, and telephone number; and also be ready to give a brief description of the damage and losses you suffered from Typhoon Chata'an.

Meanwhile, now is the time to be documenting any damage or losses you'll be claiming. Photographs or video taped footage of damages are best, but if that is not possible it is advised to at least make a written inventory of losses and damages.

Details on the types of assistance available will be announced soon, but aid can include funding for temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster emergency food stamps, and grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 13-Aug-2003 11:35:58