Toll-Free Application Number Available For Those Affected By Severe Storms
Release Date: November 28, 2003
Release Number: 1500-10
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- A toll-free application telephone number is now operational for those who suffered property damage or loss in the 22 designated counties affected by the severe storms, flooding and land slides, which began on Nov.11. Even if residents have already registered with the Red Cross, Salvation Army or other voluntary agencies or have reported damage to local officials, they still need to call FEMA’s toll-free number to be considered for state/federal disaster assistance.
Michael Bolch, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer, and Steve Kappa, state coordinating officer, WVOES, said those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free application number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Those with a speech- or hearing-impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
In response to a request from Governor Wise, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for six counties on Nov. 21. Additional counties were added on Nov. 22, bringing the total number eligible for Individual Assistance to 22. Counties included in the declaration are: Boone, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Marion, McDowell, Mercer, Monongalia, Monroe, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, Webster, Wetzel and Wyoming. Disaster officials noted that citizens living in undesignated counties who suffered storm-related damages are encouraged to apply for assistance to help determine if federal and state assistance can be provided in the future.
The declaration makes residents of these counties eligible for a wide range of programs such as funding for housing assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damage property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs.
Businesses and residents who suffered damages or losses who have insurance coverage should first contact their insurance company. If they have additional needs not met by their insurance, they should apply for disaster assistance. “A variety of disaster recovery programs are available to help cover uninsured and underinsured losses. We ask disaster survivors to make that toll-free call and let the experts decide what they may be eligible to receive,” Kappa said.
When calling to apply, have the following information available:
- Your current phone number;
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
- Your Social Security number, if available;
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered;
- Good directions to the property that was damaged;
- If insured, your insurance policy number or the agent and company name; and
- General financial information.
According to Kappa, individuals who have suffered damage should call the application number immediately. “Even if you don’t have all the information necessary, go ahead and make the call,” he said. “The sooner you get started in the process, the sooner you may receive help.”
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 01-Dec-2003 09:26:09