Disaster Application Deadline Approaches
Those Seeking Aid Should Call Toll-Free 1-800-621-FEMA by Feb. 28, 2005
Release Date: February 19, 2005
Release Number: 1539-378
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Residents and business owners in the state of Florida, who sustained damage from 2004’s four hurricanes, have only eight days to apply for disaster assistance. Monday, Feb. 28 is the last day applications will be accepted, said officials from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“Time is running out,” said State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate for Florida’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT). “We want to help people avoid an unnecessary hardship brought about by missing the registration deadline.”
Floridians who received damage from one or more of the four storms can call the FEMA toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech- or hearing-impaired. The lines are operational Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Applicants can also register online at www.fema.gov by clicking on the “Register for Disaster Assistance Online” icon.
“FEMA is committed to helping Floridians recover from the multiple hurricanes that descended on the state beginning last August,” said Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer. “We want to make sure that everyone in need of disaster assistance calls the FEMA teleregistration number before the deadline.”
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is a collaboration of Florida’s state agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’s mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impacts. Visit www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief efforts.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 21-Feb-2005 18:01:18