Disaster Assistance Tops $110 Million
Release Date: November 4, 2003
Release Number: 1491-112
» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel
Richmond, VA -- Virginians are taking advantage of disaster recovery opportunities offered by federal and commonwealth agencies, with disaster assistance totaling $112.9 million. There is still time to register for assistance by calling the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.
- $39.7 million has been approved so far to help individuals with disaster-related needs.
- $27.1 million has been approved for housing needs such as rental assistance or repairs.
- $12.6 million has been approved for other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance such as medical, dental and transportation.
- $27.1 million has been approved for housing needs such as rental assistance or repairs.
- $19.4 million has been approved to help communities with debris removal, emergency protective measures and the restoration of public buildings, equipment, roads, bridges, water facilities and utilities damaged by Hurricane Isabel.
- $25.4 million has been approved to support life-sustaining missions since the onset of Hurricane Isabel. Provided during the response phase were 6.4 million pounds of ice and 1.5 million gallons of water.
- With the country's attention on the California wildfires, it is important to note that sufficient funds are available for Virginia individuals and business owners eligible for federal or state disaster assistance programs.
- 84,374 individuals have registered for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free number at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. The deadline for applying for assistance is Nov. 17, 2003. This number also functions as the FEMA Helpline and is available for those who wish to check on the status of their application or make changes to vital information.
- 17,754 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to receive information on disaster assistance. A complete list of DRCs can be found at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's website-www.vaemergency.com. Click on "Isabel Information Center."
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued more than 56,000 applications and approved more than $28.4 million in low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses.
- To assist those with temporary housing needs, FEMA and the state have provided "interim housing" by setting up 310 travel trailers on approved sites with 297 units now occupied.
- If you or someone you know is suffering from signs of stress, you can get information on the nearest crisis counseling center by calling toll-free 1-866-400-2951. Those who may be speech or hearing impaired should call 703-228-4831. The lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- 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, 04-Nov-2003 16:04:45