Veterans' Day: Disaster Lines Open, VA Help Available
Release Date: November 10, 2003
Release Number: 1490-78
» More Information on North Carolina Hurricane Isabel
Raleigh, NC-Phone lines to register for disaster assistance as a result of damage from Hurricane Isabel will be open Tuesday, November 11, Veterans' Day. Veterans affected by the storm may be eligible for some additional benefits.
All residents and businesses that had physical or economic damage as a result of Hurricane Isabel and other storms September 18-26 are encouraged to call and register for assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired.
Lines are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The last day to register is Monday, November 17.
Veterans who register through the 800 phone number may be eligible for help with paperwork through the Veterans Administration (VA). For example, veterans who lost a record of their military discharge, or need help obtaining death benefits, pensions and insurance settlements, can get VA help with those problems. The VA can also speed up a change in address for veterans who were forced from their homes by the storms, and need the address change recorded to get their benefits more quickly.
Those benefits and all other federal-state disaster aid programs are accessed by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) phone number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585.
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: Monday, 10-Nov-2003 16:08:25