Final Week To Apply For Disaster Assistance In Indiana 

August 2 Disaster Registration Deadline Rapidly Approaches

Release Date: July 26, 2004
Release Number: 1520-074

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- This is the final week for Indiana residents and business owners who sustained damage during the May 25 through June 25 storms, tornadoes and floods to apply for disaster recovery assistance. August 2 is the last day applications will be accepted. Officials are urging residents who have not called the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY 1-800-462-7585) to do so immediately.

The deadline to return U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications is also August 2. The completed loan application is the key to being considered for several assistance programs. If the completed application is not returned, disaster victims may be eliminating themselves from other programs. Even if the SBA is unable to approve a loan, the applicant may be automatically referred to other available disaster assistance programs, including grants.

“The cases of individuals who have already applied by calling the toll-free registration number will continue to be processed,” said Justo “Tito” Hernandez, federal coordinating officer for the disaster. “Only new registrations will not be accepted after the August 2 deadline.”

To date, 4,190 individuals have applied for disaster assistance. More than $4 million in federal grants has been approved for individuals impacted by the disaster and more than $5 million in low-interest disaster loans from the SBA.

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: Monday, 26-Jul-2004 14:28:47