Helpful Tips For Disaster Applicants
Release Date: August 6, 2003
Release Number: 1482-04
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, High Winds, and Heavy Rain
Nashville, TN -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) disaster officials issued these recovery assistance tips for residents of Shelby County who suffered uninsured or underinsured losses resulting from the July 21st and 22nd severe storms, high winds and heavy rain.
The essential first step to recovery is to call FEMA's toll-free application line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register for assistance. This is the only way to obtain the assistance you are eligible to receive. The speech or hearing impaired should call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Other suggestions for getting help as quickly as possible include:
- Be sure FEMA has a current telephone number that will reach you and that your street address is prominently displayed. Arrange to be at home and allow sufficient time for the damage inspection. Missing the inspection will delay getting help.
- If you change locations after applying for federal/state assistance, call the FEMA application number to update your new phone number and/or address.
- You should apply even if you have insurance. Even those insured may be qualified for some federal/state assistance programs. Damage must be disaster-related, however.
- You don't have to be a property owner to receive assistance. If you are a renter and lost essential personal property and are not insured for the loss, help in getting replacement is available.
- Renters and homeowners forced from their homes by disaster damage may apply for housing assistance in order to temporarily relocate while repairs are made.
- If you receive an SBA loan application, you must complete and return it even if you do not want a loan. It will help determine your eligibility for a grant.
- To check the status of your application, or if you need to amend you application, for example, to report newly discovered damage, contact FEMA's information Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired.
Two FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Memphis to allow applicants to meet face-to-face with disaster officials to discuss their situations. One DRC is located at the Fairgrounds, 315 S. Hollywood Street (between the Children's Museum and the Liberty Bowl), and the other is located at the Pyramid Building (north side), #1 Auction Avenue.
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: Wednesday, 06-Aug-2003 13:08:54