FEMA Helpline Is A Reliable Resource During Time Of Uncertainties 

Release Date: October 18, 2004
Release Number: 1549-058

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Ivan

MOBILE, Ala. -- Waiting for information on the status of a disaster assistance application can be nerve wracking. To help ease the tension, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is operating a toll-free Helpline with operators available to answer a wide range of questions concerning the application process.

"Help is literally a phone call away," Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall said, "The pressing need for accurate and timely information or for the status of an application is vital to every person who suffered losses in Hurricane Ivan."

The Helpline is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Helpline specialists can be reached by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech- or hearing-impaired.

Specialists may not be able to answer every question, but can refer the caller to other agencies or organizations that can. They are trained to help find the information you need without delay. Some of the services include:

Individuals can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing- or speech-impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. If possible, try calling in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on weekends when call volume often is lighter. You can also register online using FEMA's newly implemented Internet registration at www.fema.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) is on site as the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. SBA disaster loans pay for losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recovery assistance.

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: Tuesday, 19-Oct-2004 10:39:10