Insured Individuals Should Still Apply Now
Release Date: November 18, 2004
Release Number: 1539-280
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Individuals with insurance, affected by the recent Florida hurricanes, are urged by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) to apply for assistance before the December 31, 2004 deadline. Even insured individuals may be eligible for several types of disaster assistance.
The disaster programs available include grants to help pay for temporary housing, uninsurable items, other serious disaster-related needs, and low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners and renters as well as business owners.
“You may be under-insured for disaster-related expenses, damages or losses,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Carwile. “Be sure you receive any assistance you may be qualified for, and take the first step and register for assistance today.”
Individuals impacted by the recent storms may call FEMA’s toll free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply. TTY service is available at 1-800-462-7585 for individuals who are speech- or hearing-impaired. Phone lines are open from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight seven days a week until further notice.
“It is important that impacted Floridians receive all the disaster assistance available to them,” stated State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate. “Whatever your insurance situation may be, don’t wait for a settlement before you apply for assistance. We want everyone affected and qualified for assistance to receive help as quickly as possible.”
Once homeowners or renters have registered for disaster assistance, they are in the FEMA and SERT assistance system. This allows for damages and losses to be addressed even after the application deadline has passed. The deadline to apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan is December 31, 2004.
SBA urges all disaster victims to submit their loan applications as soon as possible after FEMA registration, regardless of the status of their insurance claims. By taking such action, a disaster victim continues the recovery process by allowing the SBA to process a loan to repair or replace their disaster-damaged property.
The SBA disaster loan for the full amount needed helps insured disaster victims in several ways:
- They can avoid the “waiting game” and begin the process of recovery much sooner,
- They can shorten the time spent in temporary housing, and
- They can take additional time to negotiate insurance settlements when it may be necessary to do so.
SBA takes into account insurance settlements received by the disaster victim and may adjust the eligible loan amount accordingly.
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: Thursday, 18-Nov-2004 15:51:55