Helpline Offers Disaster Information
Release Date: May 23, 2003
Release Number: 1464-32
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Nashville, TN -- Disaster assistance information is as near as the telephone for residents of Tennessee's 46 storm-disaster counties who are unable to visit a disaster recovery center to learn about federal and state assistance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a toll-free phone number -- 1-800-621 FEMA (3362) -- that can be used to get the same information that is available in the six recovery centers located in various parts of the state.
"We call it the Helpline and that's the idea," said Michael Bolch of FEMA, the official in charge of federal recovery operations. "For a number of reasons, many disaster victims can't get to the centers. The Helpline provides them with the same service."
The Helpline number is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week but will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Call the same number used to register for assistance and choose the Helpline option. The TDD Helpline number for persons with speech or hearing impairment is 1-800-462-7585.
Last Modified: Friday, 23-May-2003 16:50:50