FEMA National Processing Service Centers Begin New Hours Of Operation
Release Date: February 20, 2006
Release Number: 1606-142
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AUSTIN, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Processing Service Centers have changed their hours of operation. The new hours for FEMA registration and the helpline are 6 a.m. to midnight. The centers will continue to be available seven days a week by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a hearing or speech impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
New after hours telephone recordings will provide callers with a message detailing the new hours. The automated system also allows callers the option to check the status of their application.
To apply for federal and state disaster assistance it is necessary to either call the registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at www.fema.gov. The deadline for Hurricane Katrina and Rita disaster victims to register for assistance is March 11. The deadline to register for Texas Wildfire disaster assistance is March 13.
Applicants should have the following information available: Social Security number; phone number where they can be reached; address of damaged property; insurance information and bank account number/routing number. Registration for individual assistance takes about 25 minutes and is essential to be eligible for grant and loan programs for uninsured and under-insured losses. Low-interest disaster loans for businesses and individuals are available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) helpline has trained and courteous specialists who can find needed information without delay. It is an important resource for all applicants and provides services, such as registering for disaster assistance, checking the status of an application and referrals for special needs to the appropriate recovery agencies.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 18-May-2006 09:56:34