Residents Of Shelby County Can Call For Disaster Aid 

Release Date: August 1, 2003
Release Number: 1482-01

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, High Winds, and Heavy Rain

Nashville, TN -- Residents of Shelby County are eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance for losses suffered as a result of the severe storm that struck the southwestern part of the state on July 21-22. President Bush on July 29 ordered federal disaster aid for Tennessee to help families and businesses recover from the affects of the storm.

Charles M. Butler, of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and federal coordinating officer for the Tennessee disaster recovery, said Shelby County was declared eligible based on the assessment of damage date gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials.

This designation means that residents and business owners in Shelby County are eligible to apply for housing assistance, low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged property, or grants for other needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs.

Federal Coordinating Officer Butler and James H. Bassham, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, said that affected residents and business owners in the county may apply for assistance by calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call a special number, TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Butler also said that communities and some non-profit agencies in Shelby and Fayette County are eligible for 75 percent federal share of the costs of emergency repair or replacing public facilities damaged by the storms.

"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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration."

Last Modified: Friday, 15-Aug-2003 14:37:53