Only One More Week to Apply for Most Disaster Assistance Programs 

Release Date: August 13, 2003
Release Number: 1474-91

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

Charleston, WV - West Virginia disaster victims who have not yet registered for federal disaster assistance have only one more week to apply. Aug. 20, 2003 is the last day to file applications for most disaster assistance programs, according to federal and state disaster recovery officials.

Renters, homeowners or business owners affected by the severe storms, flooding and landslides beginning on June 11, 2003 and ending on July 15, 2003, who live or do business in one of the 19 counties included under the June 21, 2003 Presidential disaster declaration are encouraged to apply. Call the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA to register. Those with hearing or speech impairments can register by calling TTY 1-800-462-7585. The telephone numbers are operational from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday, until further notice. The 19 West Virginia counties are:

Berkeley
Boone
Cabell
Doddridge 		Harrison
Kanawha
Lincoln 		Logan
Marion
Mason 		McDowell
Mingo
Monongalia 		Nicholas
Preston
Putnam 		Ritchie
Wayne
Wyoming

Applicants may qualify for assistance under several federal and state programs such as disaster housing assistance, awards to meet other disaster-related needs, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans. SBA loan applications must be postmarked by Aug. 20, 2003. Businesses applying for Economic Injury Disaster Loans have until March 22, 2004 to apply.

"Even after the deadline, if you have questions about your application, FEMA will still be a telephone call away," Louis Botta, federal coordinating officer said. Again, applicants may reach FEMA by calling the toll-free number: 1-800-621-FEMA.

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 14:29:31