Storm Victims Urged to Register for Assistance
Release Date: October 19, 1999
Release Number: 1304-02
» More Information on Arizona Severe Storms, High Winds and Flooding
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Maricopa County residents and business owners who suffered storm damages between September 14 and 23 are encouraged to register for various types of federal, state and local disaster assistance. A toll-free telephone number operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in service for that purpose: (800) 462-9029 TDD, (800) 660-8005, for persons with hearing or speech impairments 7 days a week 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
"It takes only one phone call to access help," said Michael P. Austin, state coordinating officer for the Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM). "The sooner they call, the sooner they can be assisted."
President Clinton has declared the county as a disaster area, activating several programs to assist those who suffered damages from the severe storms, high winds and flooding that buffeted the area late last month.
"We're urging people who live or work in Maricopa County to call and register as soon as possible," said Michael Lowder, federal coordinating officer for FEMA. "Even if you may not think you're eligible, we encourage you to go ahead and call, and we'll make that determination."
The kinds of assistance available, according to Lowder, include:
- Grants to help pay for temporary housing, minor home repairs and other serious, disaster-related expenses;
- Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 02-Dec-2003 16:40:20