Disaster Assistance Application Deadline Extended 

Release Date: December 28, 2004
Release Number: 1549-106

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Mobile, Ala. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today advised Alabama officials that it had granted the state’s request to extend the registration deadline an additional 60 days. The new deadline for applying for individual assistance is March 3, 2005.

“We’ve already had more than 157,000 disaster survivors register for assistance,” said Bruce Baughman, Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and state coordinating officer for the disaster recovery effort. “It was clear from the number of callers that we needed to keep the registration period open if we were going to reach all the people who need help.”

“We hope the extra time will ensure everyone who resides or works in a disaster area will get the federal and state assistance they need to rebuild their lives,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Tony Russell.

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. Representatives at the toll-free telephone numbers are available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily until further notice. Residents and businesses can also register online at www.fema.gov.

FEMA operates a Helpline for those who may need information or have to update or make a change on their application. Call the Helpline number 800-621-FEMA (3362), or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The Helpline is also available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and effectively manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 28-Dec-2004 14:58:15