Disaster Recovery News Summary; 343 Apply For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: March 13, 2000
Release Number: 1321-04
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms And Flooding
Columbus, OH -- Note to Editors: Federal and state agencies are working in partnership to help Ohio residents following the recent floods. The following is a summary of ongoing recovery efforts since the Presidential disaster declaration of March 7.
The number of applications made for disaster assistance through FEMA's toll-free registration line, 1-800-462-9029 (TTY 1-800-462-7585), totaled 343 as of the close of business, Saturday, March 11. Total registrations from each county are noted below:
| County | Adams | Gallia | Jackson | Lawrence | Meigs | Pike | Scioto |
| Registrations | 18 | 9 | 2 | 23 | 29 | 8 | 254 |
You Must Register To Get Help
Even if you applied for and received assistance during the flood of 1997, Even if you applied for a loan from the SBA, and even if you have insurance, you may still be eligible for disaster assistance now. Call to register - it is the only way to find out if you are eligible.
The toll-free number is 1-800-462-9029, or for the speech and hearing impaired, is 1-800-462-7585. Both numbers are available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
U.S. Small Business Administration Loan Packets
After disaster victims have applied for assistance by calling 1-800-462-9029, they may receive a loan packet from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It is important that applicants who receive SBA loan applications complete and return them as soon as possible to expedite the assistance process. If the SBA determines an applicant is unable to repay a loan, their name is then forwarded to the Individual and Family Grant program (IFG) for consideration for other funding. If applicants receive an SBA packet, and do not fill out the SBA application and turn it in to the SBA, they will not be referred to the IFG program. Filing an SBA loan application in no way obligates the applicant to accept a loan.
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Offices Open
Two SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Offices have been opened to help homeowners, renters, landlords and business owners get convenient answers about low-interest loans or to assist applicants with loan applications. A FEMA representative is also available at each location to answer questions about disaster programs. The offices are located at:
- Gallia County 911 Call Center (basement), 1191 State Route 160, Gallipolis
(Hours: Monday, March 13 - Saturday March 18; and Monday, March 20 - Friday, March 24; from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
- New Boston Community Center, 3982 Rhodes Avenue, New Boston (Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Inspectors Visiting Flood-Damaged Property
Flood victims who have applied for disaster assistance can expect to hear from an inspector who will schedule a visit to look at damaged property. The Federal Emergency Management Agency schedules inspections within seven to ten days to verify losses. The U. S. Small Business Administration sends loss verifiers to inspect the damaged property of those who have submitted completed loan applications.
Beware Of Contractors
State and federal disaster recovery officials warn residents to ask for identification from everyone identifying themselves as damage inspectors. None of these inspectors charge for their services, nor do they recommend contractors. All inspectors and verifiers carry official photo identification. Call your local law enforcement officials to report any person who cannot show proper identification or demands payment for inspection services.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Nov-2003 21:30:59